HUNDREDS of spectators and competitors turned out for this year’s Accrington Kabbadi tournament.

The competition, now in its twelfth year, was watched by 1,500 spectators - including Mayoress Councillor Kathleen Pratt – at Bullough Park, Accrington.

Teams from across the country took part in the event with a group from Birmingham winning the contest.

Organiser Khazar Din from Accrington Kabbadi and Sports Association, said: “The day went really well and there was a fantastic atmosphere.

“A lot of people turned up to watch and there were teams from London, The Midlands and Manchester and other parts of Britain competing.

“It is very important to do this each year and it is a very peaceful event.

“Everyone really enjoyed themselves and I’d like to make a special mention to Shirley Parkinson from Hyndburn Council who helped us so much before the event.”

Kabbadi is a team contact sport that originates from India.

Two teams occupy opposite halves of a field and take turns sending a ‘raider’ into the other half to win points by tagging or wrestlng members of the opposing team; the raider then tries to return to his own half, holding his breath and chanting ‘kabbadi, kabbadi, kabbadi’ during the whole raid.

Matches are categorized based on age and weight.

It is the national game of Bangladesh and the state game of Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in India and is also played in Pakistan.