A 16-year-old Indian national-level basketball player, Hardik, died in an accident in Rohtak, Haryana, after a basketball pole fell on him during practice.
According to Indian media reports, Hardik was practising at a court in Lakhan Majra when the pole, apparently not planted firmly, toppled forward and crushed him. His friends rushed to help, but the teen could not be saved.
Chilling CCTV footage shows Hardik practising alone. He runs from the three-point line and jumps to touch the basket, a common drill to improve scoring skills.
On his first attempt, he completes the move successfully. On the second attempt, he clutches the basket rim, and the pole uproots, falling on his chest. Friends lifted the pole immediately, but Hardik died soon after.
Neighbours said Hardik had been selected for the national team and had recently returned from a training camp.
His father, Sandeep Rathi, had enrolled Hardik and his younger brother at a sports club near their home to train. Police recovered the body and handed it over to the family after the post-mortem. A case has been registered.
Shockingly, a few days ago, a similar incident occurred in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, where 15-year-old Aman died after a basketball pole fell on him during practice.
Aman suffered internal injuries and passed away at Rohtak’s Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences. His family has accused doctors at PGIMS of failing to provide proper care. Aman was a Class 10 student who recently won a medal in his school’s annual sports event.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini said that he would, “inquire and take action accordingly.”
Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar called the incident “unfortunate” and said a detailed investigation would be conducted. He added, “I will write to all District Education Officers and the Education Minister. I will seek information in detail.”