In a heartbreaking incident, a 16-year-old national-level basketball player from Rohtak, Haryana, died after a basketball pole collapsed on him during practice. The victim, Hardik, had recently returned from a national training camp and was considered one of the region’s most promising young athletes.
Pole Not Properly Fixed, Collapses During Practice
The tragedy occurred on Monday at a court in Lakhan Majra, where Hardik was practising alone. According to eyewitnesses and preliminary reports, the basketball pole was not securely installed, causing it to topple forward and strike Hardik directly in the chest.
His friends, who were nearby, rushed to lift the pole and save him, but the injuries proved fatal.
CCTV Footage Shows the Terrifying Moment
CCTV visuals reveal the exact sequence of events:
- Hardik is seen practising a drill from the three-point line.
- His first attempt is successful.
- On the second jump, he hangs on the rim.
- The pole suddenly uproots and crashes onto him.
- His friends sprint in, lift the fallen structure, and pull him out.
Despite their desperate efforts, Hardik succumbed shortly after.
Promising Career Cut Short
Neighbours and community members shared that Hardik had been selected for the national team, and his father, Sandeep Rathi, had enrolled both his sons in a sports academy to help them pursue their dreams.
Police have conducted a post-mortem and handed over the body to the family. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation into negligence has begun.
Second Similar Tragedy in Haryana in Just Days
This incident follows another shocking case in Bahadurgarh, where 15-year-old Aman died after a basketball pole fell on him during training at a stadium. He suffered severe internal injuries and passed away at Rohtak’s PGIMS hospital.
Aman’s family has accused the hospital of not providing timely or adequate treatment. The Class 10 student had recently won a medal in his school’s sports meet.
Rising Concern Over Safety in Sports Facilities
Two deaths within days have sparked serious concerns over the safety standards of sports infrastructure in Haryana. Parents, coaches, and athletes are demanding accountability and immediate inspection of training facilities to prevent further tragedies.