IIT Kanpur bans Kabaddi teams from 2 colleges after players hit each other with chairs

NEW DELHI: A viral video wherein teams of two participating colleges were seen hitting each other with chairs has been circulating on social media. In an official statement, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur said the teams have been banned from further participation in the Udghosh 2023 intercollegiate sports festival.

“It has come to our attention that an incident of altercation occurred between teams from two participating institutes during Udghosh ‘23, the annual sports festival at IIT Kanpur. This is strictly against the ethos of the festival and an improper showcase of sportsmanship. A strict action has already been taken in this regard and the concerning teams have been banned from further participation,” the institute said in an official statement.

Without naming the teams or participating institutes, IIT Kanpur said, “The concerned institutions have also been intimated and advised to take appropriate action at their end to avoid any such future incidents.”

In the purported video students of the two colleges can be seen trashing each other with chairs mercilessly. Reports suggested that the argument between two teams, allegedly Netaji Subhash University of Technology (NSUT) New Delhi and YMCA Faridabad regarding score, turned into a ugly fight on Sunday afternoon.

“We strongly uphold the values of sportsmanship and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a positive and conducive environment among students and participants,” it added.

The institute organised the 19th edition of Udghosh 2023 from October 6 to 8. It witnessed participation of 2,200 sports enthusiasts, of which 2,050 were from external institutions, representing approximately 36 colleges from across India, IIT-K said.

“Over the course of the three-day event that concluded triumphantly, fierce competition unfolded across 17 distinct sporting disciplines,” it added.