Referee allegedly attacks player, sparks massive kabaddi championship clash | WATCH
Punjab: A massive brawl broke out between Tamil Nadu and Bihar teams at the Women’s Kabaddi Championship in Bathinda, Punjab, following accusations of foul play and referee bias. Videos of the altercation have gone viral.
Punjab: A heated scuffle broke out during the North Zone Inter University and All India Inter University Kabaddi (Women) Championship 2024-25 in Bathinda, Punjab, on Friday. Female athletes from Mother Teresa University, Tamil Nadu, and Darbhanga University, Bihar, were at the center of the brawl, which started with allegations of foul play and biased officiating, according to India Today.
Tamil Nadu athletes accuse referee of bias
The tension began when athletes from Mother Teresa University called out what they described as a "foul" attack by Darbhanga University players. Other universities in Tamil Nadu include Periyar University, Alagappa University, and Bharathiar University.
அகில இந்திய பல்கலைக்கழக கபடி போட்டிக்கு சென்ற தமிழக மாணவிகள் மீது பஞ்சாப்பில் மூர்க்கத்தனமாக தாக்குதல்.
— Worldwide Tamils (@senior_tamilan) January 24, 2025
பவுல் சம்பந்தமாக முறையிட்ட போது காடைத்தனம்.
வீடியோ: சமூக வலைத்தளம். #TamilNadu #Punjab #WWTnews #WorldwideTamils pic.twitter.com/ePtRlDYBIc
The players claimed that the referee favored the opponent throughout the game. Controversy arose further when it is reported that during the heated exchange, one of the players of Mother Teresa University was beaten up by the referee. It has quickly transformed into a free-for-all physical scuffle with some of the Darbhanga University players and some of their fans.
Chaotic viral videos
Videos of the brawl went viral on social media. In them, supporters of both sides could be seen engaged in a violent free-for-all fight. In some of the videos, plastic chairs and tables could be seen being hurled around the venue. Some of the videos show female athletes fighting a few men; it is not clear whether they were spectators or officials.
Tamil Nadu deputy Chief Minister responds:
Reacting to the incident, Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin called the altercation "unfortunate" but downplayed the severity of the injuries suffered by the athletes. "There was a small incident. I have spoken to the Physical Education Director, Kalaiarasi. Everything is now under control," Stalin assured.
He added that the athletes only suffered minor scratches and have received first aid. The players are set to travel to Delhi, where they will stay at the Tamil Nadu House before returning to Chennai in the coming days.
