During the inter-women’s Kabaddi Championship in Bathinda, Punjab, a shocking incident came in light involving female athletes from Tamil Nadu universities and some rival teams.
Students from Mother Teresa University, Periyar University, Alagappa University and Bharathiar University were allegedly assaulted by players of another team (reportedly Darbhanga University) during a match.
Videos purportedly showing the incident are circulating on social media, with spectators supporting the Darbhanga University team and joining the fight.
The footage also showed chairs being thrown and Tamil Nadu female players being attacked.
Watch the video here:
It is shocking that Tamil Nadu women players who went to play Kabaddi in Punjab were attacked. The attack took place during a Kabadi match between Punjab and Tamil Nadu. I urge the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ji to take appropriate enquiry and action on attackers.… pic.twitter.com/vIZrG0EsVn
— Devakumaar (@DevakumaarOffcl) January 24, 2025
The fight broke out after the players were unhappy with a decision of the match referee, as per reports.
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According to a report in India Today, the players were allegedly first attacked by players of a rival team. The report added that a ‘foul attack’ called against Mother Teresa University during the game with Darbhanga University resulted in an altercation.
The referee of the kabaddi match attacked a member of the Mother Teresa team after an argument broke out following an appeal.
Girls are safe and will return home soon: Minister Stalin
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said the girls were safe and will return to the state soon.
“There was a small incident today morning. I have spoken to the Physical Education Director, Mr Kalaiarasi. Now everything is under control. No major injuries or anything. First aid was given to the students. They will return to Delhi, and they will be made to stay at Delhi House (Tamil Nadu House in Delhi) tonight. They are leaving Delhi the night after tomorrow. They will be reaching Chennai very shortly,” he said.
While expressing regret over the incident, Stalin emphasised that necessary measures were being taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.
(With inputs from agencies)