Tamil Nadu women kabbadi players attacked during inter-university match in Punjab

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Female kabbadi student-athletes from various Tamil Nadu universities, participating in an inter-university competition, were assaulted during a match today in Bathinda, Punjab.

According to sources in Tamil Nadu, female players from varsities such as Mother Teresa University, Periyar University, Alagappa University and Bharathiar University were in Punjab to compete in the North Zone Inter University & All India Inter University Kabaddi (Women) Championship 2024-25.

As the team appealed to the referee, an argument broke out where the referee allegedly attacked a member of the Mother Teresa team. This led to a physical altercation where both teams began to attack each other.

Videos of the assault were widely circulated, showing spectators in support of the Darbhanga University team also joining in the quarrel. The altercation footage also showed chairs being flung around and women from Tamil Nadu varsity teams being attacked.

Sports Minister and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin confirmed there was an attack, and said it was unfortunate that such an incident had occurred. “Athletes have suffered minor scratches and no serious injury,” he said.