Tragic Death of 16-Year-Old National Basketball Player in Haryana Court Accident: Safety Concerns Rise

A 16-year-old national-level basketball player died in a tragic accident in Haryana's Rohtak when the basketball pole collapsed onto his chest during practice. Hardik was training at a court in Lakhan Majra area when the apparently unstable pole fell forward, crushing him. Despite his friends rushing to his aid, the teenager could not be saved.

Disturbing CCTV footage captured the incident showing Hardik practicing alone on the court. The video shows him running from the three-point line and jumping to touch the basket, a common drill that players use to improve their scoring abilities.

Hardik completed his first attempt successfully. On his second try, he grabbed the basket's rim when suddenly the pole uprooted and fell directly onto his chest. His friends quickly ran to the court, lifted the pole and tried to rescue Hardik, but the injuries proved fatal. The promising young athlete died shortly afterward.

According to neighbors, Hardik had recently been selected for the national team and had just returned from a training camp. His father, Sandeep Rathi, had enrolled both Hardik and his younger brother at a local sports club to learn and practice basketball. Police have recovered the body and returned it to the family after conducting a post-mortem examination. A case has been registered regarding the incident.

In a shocking coincidence, a similar tragedy occurred in Haryana's Bahadurgarh district. Fifteen-year-old Aman was practicing at a stadium when a basketball pole fell on him as well. Aman suffered internal injuries and died at Rohtak's Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences late Monday. Reports indicate that Aman's family has accused PGIMS doctors of providing inadequate care. Aman was a 10th-grade student who had recently won a medal at his school's annual sports event.

These consecutive incidents resulting in the deaths of two promising young basketball players have raised serious questions about the condition and maintenance of public sports facilities in Haryana, a state known for producing many of India's top athletes.

When asked about the incident, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini admitted he was not aware of the details. "Through you, I have come to know about the death of a basketball player. I will inquire and take action accordingly," he told media representatives. Krishan Lal Panwar, Haryana's Panchayat Minister, described the incident as "unfortunate" and promised a thorough investigation. "I will write to all District Education Officers and the Education Minister. I will seek information in detail."