Gangster Nexus, Easy Money And Violence Transform Rural Sport
Kabaddi, once the pride of rural Punjab and a symbol of raw strength and community spirit, is now fighting for its soul. What began as a simple game played on मिट्टी (soil) fields has turned into a high-stakes, cash-driven spectacle increasingly controlled by gangsters, drug syndicates and shadow financiers.
The brutal killing of kabaddi promoter Kanwar Digvijay Singh, also known as Rana Balachauria, during a live tournament in Mohali in December 2025 has become the darkest symbol of this transformation. Shot in front of spectators by assailants who walked up pretending to take a selfie, his murder exposed how deeply crime has penetrated the sport.
How Money Changed The Game
Over the last decade, kabaddi in Punjab has grown into a multi-crore business. Matches now offer flashy prizes — tractors, luxury bikes, SUVs and even “dollar garlands” — replacing the old tradition of simple trophies and community honour.
This flood of unregulated money has attracted criminal groups who use tournaments to launder cash, build influence and display power. Organisers and players often find themselves pressured to align with powerful backers, some of whom have known links to gang networks.
Former players say the focus has shifted from skill and discipline to intimidation, show of muscle and political or criminal patronage.
Gang Rivalries And Bloodshed
Kabaddi has increasingly become a stage for gangster rivalries. Several prominent players and promoters have been killed in the past few years, each murder tied to revenge cycles between rival gangs.
The killing of Balachauria is believed to be linked to long-running gang feuds that spill into sports arenas. Earlier, the murder of kabaddi figure Sandeep Nangal Ambian in 2022 had already shown how dangerous the sport had become.
Matches that once brought villages together now require heavy police presence, and even that has failed to prevent targeted attacks.
Drugs, Betting And Corruption
Along with guns and gangs, drugs and betting have also entered kabaddi’s ecosystem. Punjab’s larger struggle with narcotics has found a mirror in sports, where some young players are drawn into drug use, fixing, and illegal betting networks.
Unregistered tournaments, lack of strong federations, and weak monitoring make it easy for criminal elements to operate. Players often come from poor backgrounds and are tempted by fast money, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Calls To Save Kabaddi
Former athletes, social leaders and politicians are now demanding urgent reforms. They are calling for:
– Strong regulation of tournaments
– Transparent funding and sponsorship
– Unified governing bodies
– Strict action against criminal involvement
Many fear that without immediate action, kabaddi in Punjab will completely lose its cultural identity.
What was once a symbol of मिट्टी, मेहनत and मान (soil, hard work and honour) is now being overshadowed by bullets, blood and black money. The fight today is not just for trophies — it is for the very soul of kabaddi.
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