Kabaddi player Rana Balachauria shot at minutes before key match in Mohali
A shocking attack in Mohali on December 15, 2025, has left the kabaddi world reeling. Prominent player and local promoter Rana Balachauria was shot just minutes before a scheduled key match in Sohana, Mohali. The incident — carried out in broad daylight during a tournament — injured Balachauria and prompted an immediate police response and hospitalisation.
What happened: timeline of the Mohali shooting
Eyewitness accounts and local news reports say the attack occurred in the evening at a kabaddi tournament ground in Sohana. According to multiple outlets, a person (or persons) approached under the pretext of taking a selfie or getting close to the player and then opened fire. Rana Balachauria was hit in the head and face and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Police reached the spot soon after and cordoned off the area while investigations began.
Where and when
The match was scheduled in Mohali’s Sohana area on December 15, 2025. Reports place the shooting only minutes before the match was to start, turning a routine local sports event into a crime scene. Authorities confirmed that the incident took place during the tournament and that initial statements were being recorded from organisers and witnesses.
Who is Rana Balachauria?
Rana Balachauria is known in Punjab’s kabaddi circuit both as a player and as a promoter who helps organise local tournaments. His presence draws regional attention, which likely explains the sizable crowd at the event where the attack occurred. Local media are highlighting his role in community sports and the shock that his injury has caused among players, organisers and fans.
Immediate response: police and medical actions
Mohali police and on-site security teams responded promptly after the firing. Officials have said the investigation will proceed from all angles — including examining CCTV footage, collecting witness statements, and tracing the attackers’ movements. Hospital sources reported that Rana Balachauria was admitted in a serious condition and receiving treatment. Police officers on scene told reporters they were expanding the probe to find the assailant(s).
Possible motives and what investigators are checking
At this stage investigators have not publicly confirmed a motive. News outlets indicate they are exploring multiple leads: personal disputes, targeted intimidation, or rivalry associated with the tournament or promo work. Given the suddenness of the attack — reportedly carried out by someone who approached under the pretense of taking a selfie — investigators are prioritising eyewitness testimony and video evidence to establish the sequence and identify suspects. Officials have urged anyone with footage or information to come forward.
Impact on the local kabaddi community
The attack has raised immediate concerns about safety at grassroots sports events. Organisers, players and fans have expressed shock and sorrow, and multiple local tournaments are reassessing security protocols. Kabaddi, a sport with deep roots in Punjab, thrives on community gatherings; an incident like this affects not just the injured player but the entire local ecosystem — organisers, volunteers, families and youth participants.
Calls for better security
Sports managers and local leaders are already urging more robust safety measures: controlled entry points, dedicated security personnel, quick-response medical teams, and stricter vetting of spectators in the immediate vicinity of players. Experts suggest simple but effective steps — barriers around player warm-up areas, a buffer zone for cameras and fans, and CCTV coverage of stands and entryways — to reduce the risk of similar incidents.
How fans and organisers can help right now
If you witnessed the Mohali incident or have video or images, handing that material to the Mohali police will be crucial. Witness footage can be decisive for identifying assailants and reconstructing events. Tournament organisers should coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure ongoing events are safe and that players and spectators receive clear instructions in case of emergency. Media outlets are also being asked to avoid sharing graphic footage that could disrupt investigations or cause distress to victims’ families.
What this means for kabaddi’s public profile
The shooting brings into sharp focus how high-profile regional athletes and promoters can become unintended targets. While kabaddi has expanded in popularity and professionalism, such incidents underline that increased attention must be matched by improved security and crisis preparedness. For the sport to grow sustainably, stakeholders must protect players and preserve the safe, community-driven nature of local tournaments.
Latest official status (as of reporting)
As of the latest reports on December 15, 2025, Rana Balachauria was hospitalised and being treated in critical condition, and Mohali police had registered a case and launched a probe. No arrests had been publicly confirmed at the time of reporting. Media coverage continues to evolve; authorities have requested calm and cooperation from the public while they pursue leads.
Bottom line: safety and accountability
The attack on Rana Balachauria is a stark reminder that athlete safety at live events must be taken seriously at all levels. Quick law-enforcement action, public cooperation with investigators, and a prompt review of security protocols at sporting events are essential next steps. For fans and organisers, prioritising safety measures and sharing credible information with authorities will help ensure justice and prevent similar tragedies.
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