New Delhi

A 16-year-old taekwondo player’s curiosity has exposed an alleged large-scale fraud involving a body calling itself the ‘Youth Khelo India Federation’ (YKIF), prompting the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to initiate legal action and prepare to file an FIR.

The teenager, who chose to remain anonymous, contacted the ministry to verify whether YKIF was officially recognised by it and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), as claimed on the organisation’s website. She had earlier paid Rs 7,000 to participate in a so-called national tournament in Udaipur and was later asked to pay around USD 825 (Rs 77,000) for an international event in Thailand.

Her suspicion grew after noticing inconsistencies in the tournament brochure, including the use of a mascot resembling that of the Khelo India Winter Games and vague details about participation. Unable to verify the federation online, she reached out to the ministry—an action that triggered a deeper probe.

Officials soon discovered that the organisation had allegedly misused logos of the sports ministry, SAI, and even the Indian Olympic Association to appear legitimate. A fact-check issued through the Press Information Bureau clarified that YKIF is neither recognised nor affiliated with the government.

Despite claims by some YKIF office-bearers that they organise prize-money events and have limited affiliations, the ministry has firmly denied any association. Officials termed the claims “false” and said legal proceedings, beginning with an FIR, would follow.

The case has raised concerns about the exploitation of young athletes, with the organisation reportedly claiming over 22,000 registrations across districts.

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Meanwhile, the teenager—whose alertness brought the issue to light—said she remains committed to pursuing her passion for martial arts despite the incident.