Three youths attacked with sharp weapons near Kapurthala stadium; two sustain serious injuries

PTC Web Desk:  A group of 20–25 youths attacked three young athletes with sharp-edged weapons near Shri Guru Nanak Stadium in Kapurthala on Tuesday evening. The players were reportedly returning home after their practice session when the incident took place. Two of them sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the civil hospital, while the third athlete suffered minor wounds.

As soon as the incident was reported, the SHO of the area reached the location with a team and launched an investigation. The injured youths have been identified as Gaurav, a national-level taekwondo player from Lahori Gate; Lovepreet Singh, an athlete from Mohabbat Nagar; and Vishal Kumar, a kabaddi player from Arfaan Wala. According to Gaurav, the trio was travelling home on a scooty around 6.30 pm when a large group surrounded them and launched an unprovoked attack.

The assailants were reportedly armed with sharp weapons, sticks and iron knuckle dusters. The players said they were unable to understand the motive behind the assault. Gaurav, however, recalled a brief argument with a few youths at the stadium the previous Sunday, which may be linked to the incident. Lovepreet Singh had recently returned after winning a silver medal at a competition held in Thailand and suffered only minor injuries in the attack.

SHO Amandeep Nahar confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway. Statements of the injured athletes are being recorded, and further action will be taken based on their accounts.