"It's horrific and sad at the same time"
Kabaddi player Sandeep Sandhu, also known as Sandeep Nangal Ambian was shot dead by four unidentified assailants on the evening of March 14, 2022.
The incident took place during a tournament in Jalandhar, Punjab after Sandhu was honoured by the tournament’s committee.
Sandhu exited the ground after the procession. Then, four gunmen charged forward in a car, fired multiple bullets at him and fled the scene.
Footage showed the suspects firing and spectators running out of the ground immediately after.
A teenage boy was also struck with a bullet wound to the leg but the injury is not life-threatening.
Satinder Singh, the senior superintendent of police in Jalandhar revealed:
“We have launched an investigation to identify the accused. It has been learnt that one more player also got injured.”
According to the police, Sandhu was quickly rushed to the local hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
A senior kabaddi organiser close with Sandhu said that gangsters would try and manipulate kabaddi results.
They would do this by dictating which players should participate in tournaments.
The sport did attract illegal activities with people setting up gambling rings and trying to gain influence over players and teams.
However, the police believe a personal rivalry or jealousy could be the motive behind the attack.
https://twitter.com/brar_kan/status/1503690582853574659
There was outcry on social media as people paid their tributes to Sandeep Sandhu.
Shivam Insa tweeted: “Shame on #PunjabPolice. Legend of #Kabbadi #SandeepNangalAmbian shot dead during kabaddi tournament.
“Sandeep trying to make kabaddi drug and gangster free. Law and Order situation getting worse in the state.”
Another Twitter user Karan Motian added: “It’s horrific and sad at the same time, loss of an athlete is a national loss.”
Whilst a third person said:
“Punjabi’s worldwide are shocked and sad losing a great sportsman.”
Originally from Nangal Ambian village in Jalandhar, Sandhu would visit Punjab every year to participate in kabaddi matches.
His permanent residency in the UK meant Sandhu represented the nation as team captain in various kabaddi World Cups.
He was among the finest players in the world and head of the Major Kabaddi League Federation.
Sandhu was most notably remembered for leading the United Singhs to victory over the Khalsa Warriors in the 2014 World Kabaddi League final.
After this triumph, he was nicknamed the ‘Gladiator’, a befitting tribute to such a strong and spectacular player.
He made frequent appearances in leagues in the UK, New Zealand, US and Australia.
The athlete was also a regular on the Indian national team and would add to the fierce rivalry between India and Pakistan clashes at the World Cup.
Sandeep Sandhu’s body has been kept at the Civil Hospital mortuary in Nakodar, Punjab. A post mortem will be conducted here.
The kabaddi icon is survived by his wife and two sons who all reside in England.
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