A horrifying accident at a basketball court in Lakhan Majra village has claimed the life of 16-year-old Hardik Rathi, a promising national-level basketball player. The incident took place on Tuesday morning when the iron pole of a basketball hoop suddenly collapsed, crushing the teen during practice.
CCTV footage from the court shows Hardik practising alone. He runs from the three-point line, leaps, and grabs the rim to perfect his dunk. While his first attempt goes smoothly, disaster strikes on the second attempt as the pole topples forward, the rim striking his chest. Teammates rush to assist him and lift the fallen structure, but Hardik could not be saved despite immediate medical attention.
Hardik was a decorated athlete, having won medals at the 47th Sub-Junior National Championship in Kangra, the 49th Sub-Junior National Championship in Hyderabad, and the 39th Youth National Championship in Puducherry. Neighbours recalled that he had recently returned from a national training camp and that his father, Sandeep Rathi, had enrolled him and his younger brother in a local sports club to hone their skills.
Haryana Officials Promise Probe
The tragedy has raised serious concerns over the maintenance of sports infrastructure in Haryana. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, “Through you, I have to come to know about the death of a basketball player. I will inquire and take action accordingly.” Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar called the incident “unfortunate” and added, “I will write to all District Education Officers and the Education Minister. I will seek information in detail.”
Authorities have registered a case, and Hardik’s body was handed over to his family after post-mortem procedures. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse and assess whether lapses in equipment safety contributed to the accident.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in Bahadurgarh just two days earlier, where 15-year-old Aman also died after a basketball hoop fell on him, sparking fresh calls for stricter monitoring of sports facilities across the state.
