A MARTIAL arts expert has been handed a surprise call-up to represent Scotland in the little-known sport of kabaddi.

David Galbraith, 28, is a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter with 14 pro bouts under his belt, including eight wins, in the sport known as cagefighting.

But now he has the chance to make waves in another minority sport.

He, along with two of his training partners, have been called up to represent Scotland in the Kabaddi World Cup 2013 in Punjab, India.

David is an MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach at Glasgow Fitness gym, in Thornliebank, where Alisdair Allison, 22, trains and fights in Thai boxing and George Swankie, 18, trains in boxing and weightlifting.

When the Scottish Kabaddi Association was looking for new talent for the world cup squad, it approached Glasgow Fitness manager Raj Singh, who had no hesitation in recommending David, Ally and George.

David said: "It came out of the blue but it is a fantastic opportunity.

"I was out in Thailand last week training for an MMA title fight when I got the call.

"I've been given the chance to go out as part of the squad of 18.

"It's a very physical sport, which appeals to me, and I'm going to give it everything I've got to try get success for Scotland."

Kabaddi is a wrestling-based sport which sees one team send a 'raider' into the opposition's half, tasked with tagging one of the opposite team and making it back to his own half without being tackled.

Its simplicity and the lack of need for any equipment make it hugely popular in India.

Scotland is in a group with England and four other teams for the tournament, which starts on Monday.

stef.lach@ heraldandtimes.co.uk