PKL 2019 | Sometimes you can’t be exactly sure with light touches, believes referee Mohammad Azam Khan

With the PKL becoming one of the most followed sporting leagues in the country, the kabaddi officials in India have also got some limelight and during a game, the referees remain at the centre of all the action on the mat. With the live telecast and improved camera standards, the slightest of errors on the mat is out in the public. There is only one unsuccessful review awarded each for both the teams in a match and according to the officials, it is difficult to judge slightest of touches.

There are seven officials who work during a PKL game with the referee being the authority who ensures all rules of the game are properly followed. PKL referee Mohammad Azam Khan has said that in spite of the number of officials around the mat, it becomes easier to get the information but one cannot be sure enough when there is a slight contact.

“Among the officials on the mat, we usually have enough information to give the right decision, but sometimes you just can’t be exactly sure with the light touches. However, hard you focus, there are times when you just cannot get into the best possible position to observe,” Azam Khan told Scroll.

“Players are honest and admit the touch, but we can’t rely on them to make a decision. We need to make decisions based on our observations. It is important for fair play. I feel the honesty element in kabaddi is great, but it is our responsibility to safeguard it by giving the right decisions. The player must feel obliged to put his hand up when there’s a touch or be prepared to be called a liar later.”

The league has entered its seventh edition and over the last few years, the officials take note of the facial expressions and other aspects of the players while taking a call when things are close on the mat. 

“Player’s facial expression tells us whether he has had the touch or not. Nowadays the players are a lot smarter, but there are certain cues that they can’t stop giving out. When a player has been touched, his first glance will be at a referee. This is a highly testified observation by referees over the years and almost always holds true,” Aarti Bari revealed.

Another match official from Bihar Rana Ranjit Singh explained the reason behind the roles assigned to the officials just half an hour prior to the start of the game.

“This is to avoid any chances of corruption that could possibly happen if roles are assigned in advance. After we get our roles, we try and take our positions on the mat and practice our actions. The aim is to get a feel of the surroundings before the match begins. This is very important as in Pro Kabaddi there is a lot of noise. Also, the lights and cameras put additional pressure,” Rana Ranji explained.