A heartbreaking incident from Haryana has brought sports safety back into the spotlight after a 16-year-old national-level basketball player, Hardik, lost his life in a tragic court accident in Rohtak. The young athlete was practising at a local court in Lakhan Majra when a basketball pole collapsed during a drill, causing fatal injuries.
The accident, captured on CCTV cameras installed around the court, has left the community grieving and questioning the condition of sports infrastructure that many young athletes rely on daily.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to early reports, Hardik was practising routine basketball moves when the pole, which was reportedly not firmly secured, tilted forward and fell. Friends who were nearby immediately rushed to his aid. Despite quick help and medical attention, Hardik could not be saved.
Authorities stated that the pole’s weak foundation may have contributed to the accident. Police have now registered a case and are investigating whether negligence played a role in the tragedy.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Residents of Hardik’s neighbourhood shared that he had recently been selected for a national-level team and had returned from a training camp. His father, Sandeep Rathi, had enrolled both Hardik and his younger brother in a nearby sports academy to support their passion for basketball.
Family members, heartbroken by the loss, described Hardik as a dedicated athlete with immense potential and dreams of representing India professionally one day.
Another Similar Accident Adds to Concerns
Shockingly, this is not an isolated case. In a separate incident in Haryana’s Bahadurgarh district, a 15-year-old boy named Aman also lost his life after a basketball pole reportedly collapsed while he was practising at a stadium.
Aman, a Class 10 student who recently won a medal at his school sports event, suffered internal injuries and was rushed to PGIMS Rohtak. His family later alleged that he did not receive timely or adequate medical treatment. Authorities at the hospital have yet to respond to the claims, and an inquiry is expected.
The back-to-back accidents have triggered widespread concern and outrage, with many questioning how two young players could lose their lives in such similar circumstances within days of each other.
Parents, Coaches Demand Accountability
Following the twin tragedies, several parents, coaches, and sports enthusiasts in the region have raised strong concerns about the poor maintenance of sports equipment and facilities. Many allege that broken or unstable basketball poles, rusted equipment, uneven grounds, and insufficient supervision have become dangerously common in public stadiums and training centres.
Local coaches argue that while Haryana produces a large number of national and international athletes, the investment in equipment safety and regular infrastructure upgrades has not kept pace with the growing talent pool.
“We cannot encourage children to pursue sports if basic safety cannot be guaranteed,” said a coach from Rohtak, urging authorities to conduct a statewide inspection of sports courts.
Officials Call for Investigation
Police officials have confirmed that a case has been registered in the Rohtak incident. Authorities are now examining the installation, maintenance, and structural safety of the basketball pole involved.
Meanwhile, the Sports Department of Haryana has been urged to initiate an audit of sports infrastructure across the state to prevent such tragedies in the future. Local leaders and community organisations have also started demanding stricter policies to ensure accountability in public sports facilities.
A Wake-Up Call for Sports Safety in India
Haryana is known for producing world-class athletes, often leading India’s medal tally in national and international competitions. However, these recent incidents highlight a crucial gap in sports infrastructure safety, an aspect often overlooked amid enthusiasm for performance and talent development.
Safety experts emphasize that equipment such as basketball poles must meet national standards, be firmly installed, and undergo regular checks to prevent accidents. Advocates also highlight the need for trained supervisors during practice sessions, especially for young athletes.
Communities Mourn, Seek Change
As families mourn the loss of Hardik and Aman—two bright talents with promising futures—the incidents have sparked a broader discussion on prioritizing safety in sports environments. Many hope that these tragedies become a turning point, prompting authorities to ensure safer, well-maintained facilities for all athletes.
For now, both communities continue to grieve deeply, united in their demand for accountability, improvement, and justice.
