A deeply troubling and violent incident transpired today during the North Zone Inter University & All India Inter University Kabaddi (Women) Championship 2024-25, held in Bathinda, Punjab, where female athletes from Tamil Nadu universities were subjected to physical assault during a match. The athletes, representing prestigious institutions such as Mother Teresa University, Periyar University, Alagappa University, and Bharathiar University, had traveled to Punjab to compete in this high-profile inter-university competition. What was meant to be a display of athleticism and sportsmanship quickly turned into a violent altercation that has left the sports community stunned.
The situation reportedly escalated during a match between Mother Teresa University and Darbhanga University. The tension was triggered after a controversial "foul" call against the Mother Teresa University team. The team members, unhappy with the decision, appealed to the referee, leading to a heated argument. Eyewitnesses have claimed that the referee, in an unprofessional act, allegedly physically attacked a member of the Mother Teresa team. This sparked a confrontation between the two teams, quickly escalating into a physical brawl.
The fight soon spilled over beyond the teams, with spectators—many of whom were supporting the Darbhanga University team—joining in. Videos capturing the intense altercation were shared widely across social media, showing the chaotic scenes as chairs were thrown around, and several women from the Tamil Nadu teams were physically attacked. The footage highlighted the complete breakdown of order at the event, with athletes, coaches, and even the crowd engaging in the turmoil, turning what was supposed to be a competitive match into a scene of violence and disorder.
Tamil Nadu’s Sports Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin confirmed the assault in a statement, condemning the incident and calling it unfortunate. Stalin expressed his regret over the incident but reassured the public that no major injuries had been sustained by the athletes. "The athletes have suffered minor scratches and no serious injury has been reported," Stalin stated, adding that the dispute had been over points during the match. He emphasized that all 36 athletes who had traveled to Punjab for the competition were unharmed and safe.
Following the assault, quick action was taken by the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the safety of the athletes. Stalin mentioned that the SDAT (Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu) promptly contacted the District Collector and other relevant authorities to provide immediate security for the players. Coaches, physical directors, and administrative officials were also involved in ensuring the athletes' safety during this distressing event. Despite having these safety measures in place, the incident highlights the lack of control and safety during the competition.
As a result of the incident, the athletes were relocated to Delhi for their safety and were placed in the Delhi House to await their return to Tamil Nadu. Stalin assured that all players were safe and confirmed that they would return home soon, following a brief stay in the capital. "All are safe," he reiterated, attempting to provide reassurance amidst the chaos.
The attack on Tamil Nadu’s female athletes has stirred anger and outrage across the political spectrum. Former state minister and AIADMK leader D Jayakumar condemned the attack, calling for strict action against the individuals responsible. "Severe action should be taken against those who attacked Tamil Nadu women athletes," Jayakumar said. He also criticized the Tamil Nadu state government, stressing that ensuring the safety of athletes should be a priority over monetary rewards given after the competition. "It is much more essential to provide safety to athletes during games than giving them crores (of rupees) after they return with a winning cup," Jayakumar stated.
The incident has prompted widespread concern over the safety and security of athletes during sporting events, particularly in competitive tournaments where tensions can run high. It raises important questions about the measures in place to protect athletes, especially female athletes, from violence and harassment. The public outcry is likely to prompt greater scrutiny of safety protocols at sporting events, urging authorities to implement more stringent measures to prevent such violent outbreaks in the future.
The shocking events in Bathinda have not only cast a shadow over the sporting community but have also sparked a wider conversation about the need for respect, discipline, and safety in competitive sports. This incident has sent a strong message about the importance of safeguarding the well-being of athletes and ensuring that violence has no place in sports, where fair play and mutual respect should prevail. The calls for justice and the demand for accountability are growing louder, and the future of such sporting competitions may very well depend on how seriously this issue is addressed.
