Mandya: A Kabaddi tournament in Mandya district ended in tragedy after a section of the spectator gallery collapsed Saturday night, leaving one person dead and 20 injured.
The deceased was Papannachari, 50. Of the injured, 10 were admitted to hospital in Mandya with fractures and minor injuries, and all are said to be out of danger.
The incident took place during the third match of U-23 Mysuru Division ‘Shri Bhairava Cup 2025′, a floodlit Kabaddi tournament organised by senior Kabaddi players from Mallanayakanakatte village in Melkote taluk of the district to promote the sport. The event was called off after the tragedy.
The tournament attracted over 40 teams from Mysuru, Hassan, Mandya, and Chamarajanagar districts, and drew huge crowds.
Kabaddi holds a special place in Mandya’s sporting culture, with 40-50 tournaments held annually across various categories. Most are organised with permissions from federations or amateur sports associations.
Eyewitnesses said the gallery collapsed suddenly, triggering panic among spectators. Many were trapped in the debris before being rescued and taken for treatment. The gauge used for the gallery was not of good quality, which is why it collapsed when nearly 150 people were sitting, sources said.
Melkote MLA Darshan Puttanaiah described the incident as unfortunate and told TOI, “It seems the gallery was not properly constructed. Reportedly, the same stage had previously been used for a school event.”
He spoke to deputy commissioner Kumara and district minister N Cheluvarayaswamy regarding compensation for the deceased’s family.
Cheluvarayaswamy said more caution should have been exercised while conducting the event. “Those injured will be provided free treatment, and I have already helped the deceased’s family personally. I will also discuss further support with CM Siddaramaiah,” he stated.
Zilla panchayat CEO KR Nandini and superintendent of police Mallikarjun Baladandi are overseeing relief efforts and coordinating with hospitals.