Rohtak: A teenaged national-level basketball basketball player died in Rohtak, Haryana, after one of the poles collapsed on him during a practice session.
This was the second such death in the state over the last few days highlighting the poor state of infrastructure for the sport in the state.
According to footage from CCTV cameras, the youngster, identified as Hardik (16), was warming up on a basketball court in Lakhan Majra. He is seen jumping to grab the hoop of one of the poles. This is a common practice among basketball players globally.
Hardik can’t make it to the hoop in his first attempt, but managed to get a grip in the next one. The po
le crumbles immediately and bends at an angle, with the board pinning the player to the ground.
Other players nearby are seen rushing forward to lift the fallen structure and release Hardik. He was then rushed to PGI Rohtak. Despite receiving treatment, he died shortly afterwards.
Hardik had won medals at several national competitions, including a silver in Kangra and bronze medals in Hyderabad and Puducherry. His death has left his family and village in shock.
Just two days prior to Hardik’s death, Aman, a 15-year-old player, was fatally injured at the Hoshiar Singh Stadium in Bahadurgarh. He had arrived for practice around 3.30 pm when a basketball pole collapsed on him. He was also taken to PGI Rohtak, where he died during treatment.
The back-to-back incidents, both involving falling poles, have intensified questions over the safety arrangements at sports grounds in Haryana. Local residents and players are calling for immediate inspections of basketball poles and other structures at stadiums and public playgrounds to prevent further accidents.