Kabaddi’s Transition to a High-Stakes Sport
In recent years, kabaddi, once a beloved traditional sport in Punjab, has become embroiled in violence and crime, primarily driven by rampant betting and gang wars. The shift unfolded over the last two decades, bringing forth local and international stakeholders who transformed the dynamics of this age-old sport.
Organizers began introducing substantial cash prizes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, enticing rural youth with an opportunity for fast financial gain. This shift was supported by backing from NRIs and local businessmen who flooded the kabaddi scene with monetary incentives, making it a competitive enterprise.
Emergence of Betting and Organized Crime
As prize money ballooned, so did the interest in betting schemes associated with the sport. According to Gurmeet Chauhan, DIG of the Anti-Gangster Task Force, “NRIs brought big money into kabaddi in the early 2000s,” significantly altering the scene. After a brief downturn due to a drug racket in 2013-14, betting found new, less-visible routes as people looked to continue their wagering habits.
Financial Growth and Risks
The kabaddi ecosystem is valued at approximately ₹100 crore annually. Today, tournament budgets range from ₹1 lakh to ₹40 lakh depending on the event’s location in Punjab, with international competitions attracting far higher figures. “In England, a tournament can cost £100,000; in Toronto, up to $400,000 to $500,000,” explained Sarwan Singh, a kabaddi expert and author.
The Dangers of Gambling
With the rise of betting networks, both local and online, the game has become susceptible to fixed matches, where players indicate match results under pressure. A police officer shared that “several players and support staff have privately confessed that the pressure to influence match results has become a disturbing norm.” With an alarming increase in gangster involvement, these pressures come with serious risks, including intimidation.
The Gangster Nexus
The involvement of gangs in kabaddi extends to every aspect of the game’s organization. Officers highlighted that gangs, such as the Bambiha group and the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, prioritize control over kabaddi events, employing fear tactics. They dictate everything, from celebrity guests and prize distribution to game locations, thereby entrenching their power.
A police source stated that “gang rivalries engage in turf wars to build their brand through fear and sensational crimes.” Consequently, these tensions have escalated into violent confrontations, leading to murders linked directly to the sport.
Challenges in Regulation
Compounding these crime issues is the lack of a strong regulatory body governing kabaddi in Punjab. The absence of standardized governance across the various federations allows for unchecked activities and a failure to maintain a formal code of conduct. Individual federations operate independently, often influenced by personal or political motivations, leading to unregulated tournaments lacking oversight.
The amateur kabaddi federations registered under the Societies Act are often not affiliated with the national body, the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India. This disorganization permits unregulated money and illegal practices to thrive unchecked.
The Role of Local Businesses and Government
Local businesses have also capitalized on the kabaddi frenzy by sponsoring events and offering prizes like vehicles to attract rural players and spectators. Transformations in sponsor types have skewed the game into a lucrative spectacle. Tractor companies, for instance, specifically target rural players.
Government involvement has also attempted to boost kabaddi’s appeal. In 2013, the Punjab government announced a cash prize of ₹7 crore to stimulate interest, but these initiatives were discontinued after a shift in political power in 2017.
Community Reactions and Reflections
Despite the notoriety attached to the sport, kabaddi remains a vital part of Punjab’s cultural fabric. Community members express concerns about the violence and shifts in values associated with betting and gang involvement. Coaches and players are increasingly worried about the implications for future generations, with the focus shifting away from the sport’s values to profitability and control by criminals.
As one coach articulated, “Holding a kabaddi tournament used to be a celebration of talent; now it’s heavily influenced by money and fear.” The stark contrast between the sport’s historical significance and its current situation underscores the changes that have taken place in Punjab’s beloved game.
Looking Ahead
The future of kabaddi in Punjab remains uncertain amid the entrenchment of crime and the gambling underbelly. While authorities are grappling with escalating violence, players and supporters express hope for a return to traditional values, where skill and community spirit take precedence over money and fear.
Efforts to regulate and standardize the sport through unified governing bodies could be instrumental in reclaiming its integrity. However, these changes will require significant political will and support from the community to navigate the existing criminal networks that have hijacked the sport.
Conclusion
Kabaddi in Punjab represents much more than an exciting sport; it reflects the struggles of the community amidst the rise of crime and corruption. As the game evolves, the people of Punjab must reconcile their love for kabaddi with the sobering realities surrounding it. Addressing these challenges head-on will be crucial in restoring the sport’s legacy and ensuring it serves its original purpose of bringing communities together.