Fatehgarh Sahib (Gurpreet Singh): A kabaddi tournament in Rupaheri village turned tragic on Saturday when Bittu Balial, a prominent player from Sangrur district, suffered a fatal heart attack in the middle of a match.
Bittu, who hailed from Balial village in Bhawanigarh, collapsed suddenly while playing and was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Sources close to the family revealed that the 32-year-old athlete had a history of cardiac complications and had undergone stent surgery in the past. Despite repeated warnings from doctors to avoid intense physical activity, Bittu continued to play to earn a living.
“His health was fragile, but financial pressures left him with no choice,” said a fellow player. “Kabaddi was his passion and also his only source of income.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through Punjab’s kabaddi community, with fans and sports associations expressing sorrow over the untimely loss. Social media was flooded with condolences, many calling him a symbol of dedication and resilience.
Bittu is survived by his wife and sister. His parents and brother had passed away earlier, leaving the small family shattered by his sudden death.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about the need for medical screening and financial assistance for players participating in local-level tournaments. Sports enthusiasts and officials have urged the state government to ensure proper health checks and insurance coverage for athletes representing Punjab’s rural kabaddi circuit.
