Moment 'gunshots fired' at Derby Kabaddi sports contest
Three people have been injured, one of whom seriously, following a brawl at a Kabaddi tournament in Derby amid reports of gang violence involving guns and swords.
Armed police were called to a large disturbance at Elvaston Lane recreation ground in Alvaston just before 4pm on Sunday.
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Huge crowds including families and young children had gathered at the park to watch a kabaddi tournament, a popular team sport first played in India and played in Asian communities across the UK.
Witnesses say the event was ruined after clashes broke out reportedly among rival gangs.
Videos and pictures uploaded to social media show chaotic scenes of crowds fleeing after gunshots were supposedly fired.
Footage also appears to show men brandishing swords as kabaddi players lay on the ground to protect themselves.
Witnesses say as many as 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 positive and welcome return of our national motherland Punjabi sport of Kabaddi in Derby, has sadly ended in shameful circumstances.
"Gang violence is not acceptable at sporting events, and should not be tolerated with the community. The UK Kabaddi Federation must take necessary steps and safeguards to stamp this thoughtless violence out from national tournaments.
"I hope those injured are not too serious and make a full recovery."
A Derybshire Constabulary 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. They have all been taken to hospital. There is a large police presence in the area and officers are expected to remain at the scene for some time."
Kabaddi is an ancient form of contact sport, combining wrestling and martial arts. Its name is from the Sanskrit “Kar-badhi”, which means “holding through hands”, and it is played in two teams of seven.
Sunday's tournament was advertised on the England Kababbi Federation website as part of a series of summer events. The Telegraph has contacted the Federation for comment.
Speaking after the violence, some players voiced fears the violence could restrict the staging of future tournaments in the UK.
Manga Mithapuria Powar wrote on Facebook: "Once again another Kabaddi Tournament in Derby has been ruined!
"This appalling behaviour is not acceptable, the tournament was full of families and children which were also at risk today with what has happened!
"If this kind of behaviour continues then our mother game is over. No one will be bringing kids here because of the fear of shots being fired again."
"Kabaddi players and the audience should not have to be involved in this risky situation. All these situations will make it harder for the future as councils will not give permission for Kabaddi matches."
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