An inter-university Kabaddi tournament in Rajasthan turned controversial after Tamil Nadu players were allegedly attacked by opposing teams and local players.
The tournament, organized by private universities and featuring teams from across India, saw participation from Tamil Nadu universities like SRM and Wales. Four teams from South India competed in the event. During a match between Tamil Nadu’s SRM University and Punjab’s Guru Kashi University, Tamil Nadu players raised objections to the referees over what they claimed were unfair scoring decisions.
The dispute escalated, leading to a physical altercation. Rajasthani players allegedly attacked Tamil Nadu players and coaches with seats in front of a crowd that included prominent actors and special guests. A video of the incident has since gone viral, showing the violence that left multiple Tamil Nadu players and a coach injured.
In addition to the physical assault, the Tamil Nadu players claimed they were verbally abused and asked to leave the tournament and “go back to Tamil Nadu.” A witness who filmed the attack on their cell phone was allegedly assaulted, with attempts made to delete the footage.
Following the attack, the Tamil Nadu government contacted the host university in Rajasthan to inquire about the safety of its students. Officials assured that adequate measures were in place, and the Tamil Nadu players participated in subsequent matches before preparing to return home.
Political Reactions
DMK ally Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader Velmurugan framed the incident as an act of anti-Tamil hostility. He claimed that North Indians were inciting hatred against the Tamil players was shocking and criticized what he termed an “anti-Tamil mentality” in the north. He condemned the assault as an attempt to undermine Tamil Nadu’s success in sports and called on the state government to ensure appropriate legal action against those responsible. He wrote, “The anti-Tamil mentality of North Indians who cannot accept Tamils winning even in a sports competition. The incident of an attack on a Kabaddi player and coach from Tamil Nadu in Rajasthan is very shocking. While teams from 4 universities from Tamil Nadu were participating in the All India Inter-University Kabaddi Competition being held in Rajasthan, the SRM University team from Tamil Nadu and the Guru Kashi University team from Punjab were playing in a league match, and the results were announced against the leading SRM University team and in favor of the Punjab University team, the incident of an attack on other teams and coaches from Tamil Nadu who opposed this is very shocking.
Three players and a coach from Tamil Nadu were injured in this attack, and the anti-Tamil mentality and hatred of North Indians are to the extent that it is unacceptable for players from Tamil Nadu to win even in a sports competition held to promote unity and brotherhood. I request the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that the state government takes appropriate action against the person involved in the above attack and exerts appropriate pressure on him.”
விளையாட்டுப் போட்டியில் கூட தமிழர்கள் வெற்றி பெறுவதை ஏற்றுக்கொள்ள முடியாத வட இந்தியர்களின் தமிழர் விரோத மனநிலை.
ராஜஸ்தானில் தமிழ்நாட்டைச் சேர்ந்த கபடி வீரர்கள் மற்றும் பயிற்சியாளர் மீது தாக்குதல் நடத்தப்பட்டுள்ள சம்பவம் பெரும் அதிர்ச்சியளிக்கிறது.
ராஜஸ்தானில் நடைபெற்று வரும்… pic.twitter.com/0350MjblcG
— Velmurugan.T (@VelmuruganTVK) November 22, 2024
(With inputs from Tamil Samayam)
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