The Delhi High Court recently allowed two teenage kabaddi players to participate and represent India in the Junior World Championship (Boys) in Iran.

The players had approached the Court after they were suggested to return to gradual training on account of injury.

“The prescriptions for both players is identical and does not inspire the confidence of the Court. Even post the injury and rest for a few days, they have undergone the requisite training and coaching. The Petitioners have also recovered as per the doctor who has suggested only gradual training.”, Justice Prathiba M Singh observed.

The Court also noted that the opportunity to play in the World Cup is an opportunity that every player looks forward to in his sporting career. The Court added that a decision to not send them to represent India, that too at such a late stage, without proper grounds, would be demoralising not only to the Petitioners but also to the team as a whole.

Thus the Court allowed the petitioners to travel to Iran.

It was the petitioner’s case that during practice at the SAI camp the Petitioners suffered minor injuries. The Petitioners got their medical check-up done with the doctor and the Petitioners were advised ‘Review after ten days’.

However, it is the case of the Petitioners that suddenly, a medical was conducted by SAI, whereby the Petitioners were informed by their coach that they would not be joining the Junior World Championship (Boys) team.

On behalf of SAI, Counsel Arunima Dwivedi, submitted that in view of the injury that they have suffered, in order to ensure that there is no permanent injury and that the players are duly rested, the doctor had suggested that they be not taken to the world cup this year.

Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra appeared for the petitioners whereas CGSC Arunima Dwivedi appeared for Union of India.

The Court noted that perusal of the prescription on record showed that the players do not have any pain or any complaints.

“The Petitioners having been selected for the World Cup, in this background, this Court is of the opinion that the Petitioners ought to be permitted to participate and represent India in the Junior World Championship (Boys), in Iran.”, the Court held while allowing the plea.

The Court directed the Administrator as also Sports Authority of India to take all necessary steps for enabling the Petitioners to travel to Iran along with the team.

Cause Title- Rohit Kumar & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors. (Neutral Citation Number- 2023/DHC/001311)

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Delhi High CourtJustice Prathiba M Singh

Ashish Shaji