Three injured in brawl ‘between rival gangs’ at kabaddi tournament in Derby

Witnesses say up to 20 police vehicles were called to the scene at the height of the trouble.

Derby resident Jas Uksingh wrote on Facebook: “What was supposed to be a welcome and positive return to our national homeland, the Punjabi sport of kabaddi in Derby, sadly ended in embarrassing circumstances.

“Gang violence is not acceptable at sporting events and should not be tolerated by the community. The UK Kabaddi Federation must take the necessary steps and safeguards to remove this thoughtless violence from national tournaments.

“I hope the injured are not too serious and make a full recovery.”

A Derbyshire Police statement said: “We were called to a large scale disturbance in Elvaston Lane, Alvaston at 15:51 on Sunday 20 August.

“Three people have been injured, one seriously. All of them have been taken to the hospital. There is a large police presence in the area and officers are expected to remain on the scene for some time.”

Kabaddi is an ancient form of contact sport, combining wrestling and martial arts. Its name comes from the Sanskrit “Kar-badhi”, which means “to grab with the hands”, and it is played in two teams of seven.

Sunday’s tournament was announced on England’s Kababbi Federation website as part of a series of summer events. The Telegraph has contacted the Federation for comment.

‘Appalling behaviour’

Speaking after the violence, some players expressed fear that the violence could restrict the hosting of future tournaments in the UK.

Manga Mithapuria Powar wrote on Facebook: “Once again another kabaddi tournament in Derby has been ruined!

“This appalling behavior is not acceptable, the tournament was full of families and children who were also at risk today with what happened!

“If this type of behavior continues, our mother game is over. No one will bring children here for fear they will be shot again.”

“Kabaddi players and the public should not be involved in this risky situation. All these situations will make it more difficult for the future as the councils will not give permission for kabaddi matches.”