Nepal Karate Federation (NKF) conducted final round selection matches on Thursday in seven categories but the participants officially protested some of the referees´ decisions.[break]
Controversies erupted after referees declared Rabindra Dahal as the winner against South Asian Games gold medalist Sunil Lama in a competitive match of 68 kg kumite. Likewise, Mina Pathak of Eastern Region lodged a protest as referees gave decision in favor of Tara Gurung of Western Region.
The environment at the Dasharath Stadium turned tense after the two controversial results.
Armed Police Force player Lama, his coach Deepak Shrestha and Pathak lodged official protests against the decisions.
After the protests, NKF and the referees´ council of the tournament have been going through a series of meetings.
NKF General-secretary Kedar Babu Shiwakoti said the executive committee is waiting for the referees´ council´s decisions. "The executive committee is for management and we cannot take technical decisions. We are waiting for the referees´ council meeting to conclude," said Shiwakoti in the evening.
Republica also tried to contact referees´ council coordinator Prakash Dhaubadel but his mobile was found switched off till late evening. On the other hand, NKF President Purendra Lakhe was busy in some other meeting.
Meanwhile, APF coach Shrestha claimed that the referees´ council had given decisions in favor of Lama and Pathak.
Though all other sports have picked their players for the Asiad, karate is yet to select players. NKF has crossed the deadline set by National Sports Council (NSC) after a series of controversies.
Earlier, NKF had postponed the selection after two players picked for the final round selection were found to be underage.
Meanwhile, Binod Shakya in men´s 75 kg and Binod Maharjan in men´s 60 kg won their respective matches on Thursday while Kushal Shrestha was unopposed in men´s 67 kg as his opponent was found to be underage.
Likewise, Rosy Nagarkoti defeated SAG silver medalist Anu Adhikari in women´s 55 kg while Kalpana Basnet was unopposed in 50 kg.
NKF has postponed a final round selection of women´s 61 kg on SAG gold medalist Ganga Adhikari´s request as she is undergoing treatment for jaundice.
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