Kabaddi, like any sport, has had its share of controversial moments that have sparked debates, discussions, and even rule changes. Whether it’s a disputed tackle, a controversial raid, or a questionable decision by the referee, these moments have tested the integrity of the game and have often left fans and players divided. In this article, we revisit some of the most talked-about controversial moments in Kabaddi history, where the rules were pushed to their limits.
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The Unfair Tackle: U Mumba vs Jaipur Pink Panthers
One of the most controversial moments in recent history came during the match between U Mumba and Jaipur Pink Panthers. In the final moments of the game, U Mumba was leading by a slim margin, and Jaipur Pink Panthers were desperately trying to close the gap. However, a disputed tackle by Rinku Narwal of U Mumba on Deepak Niwas Hooda of Jaipur Pink Panthers raised a lot of questions.
The tackle appeared to be high, and many felt that it should have been called as a foul. The referee, however, deemed it legal, and U Mumba went on to win 30-29. The controversy over the legality of the tackle sparked heated discussions, with many arguing that the referees had made a wrong decision.
Key statistics:
- Top Raider: Anup Kumar(U Mumba) – 8 points
- Top Defender: Rinku Narwal(U Mumba) – 4 tackles
- Match Result: U Mumba 30 – 29 Jaipur Pink Panthers
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The Phantom Raid: Patna Pirates vs Bengaluru Bulls
In another controversial incident, the match between Patna Pirates and Bengaluru Bulls was marred by a disputed raid call. In the final moments of the match, Pardeep Narwal of Patna Pirates made a raid that many believed was unsuccessful, as he had stepped out of bounds before completing the raid. However, the referees awarded the raid as successful, giving Patna Pirates a crucial point that allowed them to win the game 31-30.
The call was highly contested, with fans and experts debating whether the raid should have been ruled out. The controversy surrounding this decision led to discussions about how the referees interpret certain moments in the game.
Key statistics:
- Top Raider: Pardeep Narwal(Patna Pirates) – 10 points
- Top Defender: Jaideep(Patna Pirates) – 4 tackles
- Match Result: Patna Pirates 31 – 30 Bengaluru Bulls
- The Disputed Super Tackle: Bengal Warriors vs Dabang Delhi
A particularly heated moment came during the match between Bengal Warriors and Dabang Delhi, when a disputed super tackle occurred. Dabang Delhi was leading by a narrow margin, and Bengal Warriors were attempting to make a comeback. In one particular moment, Abozar Mighani of Bengal Warriors was awarded a super tackle despite many believing he had not completed the tackle within the time limit.
The decision was heavily criticized, with fans from both teams questioning the referees’ judgment. Despite the controversy, Bengal Warriors went on to win 32-31, but the disputed tackle remained a hot topic of conversation long after the game ended.
Key statistics:
- Top Raider: Maninder Singh(Bengal Warriors) – 9 points
- Top Defender: Abozar Mighani(Bengal Warriors) – 5 tackles
- Match Result: Bengal Warriors 32 – 31 Dabang Delhi
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The Raid Controversy: Tamil Thalaivas vs Gujarat Fortune Giants
One of the most debated moments in Kabaddi came in the match between Tamil Thalaivas and Gujarat Fortune Giants. In the final moments of the match, Rahul Chaudhari of Tamil Thalaivas made a raid that was called successful by the referee, but many fans and analysts believed he had been tagged out before completing the raid.
The decision was controversial because the video evidence seemed to suggest that Rahul had stepped out of bounds. Despite this, the referee upheld the decision, and Tamil Thalaivas won 29-28. This incident sparked a conversation about the accuracy of video reviews and the need for clearer guidelines in such situations.
Key statistics:
- Top Raider: Rahul Chaudhari(Tamil Thalaivas) – 8 points
- Top Defender: Sandeep Narwal(Tamil Thalaivas) – 4 tackles
- Match Result: Tamil Thalaivas 29 – 28 Gujarat Fortune Giants
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The Final Tackle Controversy: U Mumba vs Bengaluru Bulls
In one of the most intense and controversial encounters of the season, U Mumba faced Bengaluru Bulls. The match was decided in the final few seconds, with U Mumba’s defense being called upon to make a crucial tackle. However, the tackle by Rinku Narwal on Pawan Sehrawat was highly debated, as many believed Sehrawat had already crossed the centerline and should not have been tagged out.
The referee’s decision to award the tackle as successful was met with mixed reactions, with Bengaluru Bulls fans arguing that the decision was wrong. Despite the controversy, U Mumba emerged victorious, winning 33-32.
Key statistics:
- Top Raider: Anup Kumar(U Mumba) – 9 points
- Top Defender: Rinku Narwal(U Mumba) – 5 tackles
- Match Result: U Mumba 33 – 32 Bengaluru Bulls
These controversial moments serve as a reminder of how the rules of Kabaddi can be interpreted differently in different situations. While the referees’ decisions are final, these moments continue to spark debates and discussions, highlighting the passion and intensity that the sport brings to its fans.
