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Tragedy Strikes: Basketball Pole Falls, Claims Young Player's Life
27 Nov
Summary
- A 16-year-old national-level player died after a basketball pole collapsed on him.
- The facility reportedly lacked maintenance for nearly four years.
- This is the second such death in Haryana within days.

A promising 16-year-old national-level basketball player, Hardik Rathi, lost his life in a devastating accident at a sports ground in Lakhan Majra village, Haryana. While practicing, the iron basketball pole he was hanging from collapsed, striking him fatally. CCTV footage captured the harrowing moment, with fellow players rushing to his aid.
The incident has brought sharp focus on the condition of rural sports infrastructure. Reports suggest the Lakhan Majra facility had not been properly maintained for approximately four years. This tragedy follows a similar death of a 15-year-old in Bahadurgarh just two days prior, highlighting a disturbing pattern.
In response, authorities have suspended the District Sports Officer, temporarily closed the court, and scheduled a high-level review. Olympic medalist Abhinav Bindra expressed deep sorrow, calling for greater safety measures in sporting spaces. The Chief Minister has requested a full report.



