Haryana Sports Officials Suspended After Two Players Die in Basketball Court Accident

Two teenage basketball players died in separate pole collapse incidents at government sports grounds in Haryana within just 48 hours. The tragedies have triggered swift disciplinary action and a statewide safety overhaul.

The Sports Department has suspended the District Sports Officer in Rohtak and temporarily shut the district basketball nursery. Officials say the urgent response reflects growing concerns over poor infrastructure maintenance at government facilities.

Minister Orders High Level Review

State Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam took "strict cognisance" of the Rohtak accident. He pointed out that it came only two days after another similar fatality in Bahadurgarh, both caused by neglected and dilapidated equipment.

He has called for a high level meeting on November 28 at Tau Devi Lal Stadium. Senior departmental officials and all district sports officers have been asked to attend.

In an emergency circular, the department described the two deaths as "serious and unfortunate." Officers have been directed to personally inspect every stadium and training facility under their jurisdiction.

The circular also instructed them to remove unsafe equipment immediately and to close any hazardous buildings being used by athletes. Repairs must be carried out swiftly using District Sports Council funds or in coordination with PWD and the Haryana Sports and Physical Fitness Authority.

The department added that no unsafe facility should be used under any circumstance. It also made officers personally accountable for any lapse.

Teen Player Dies While Practising Alone in Rohtak

The most recent death occurred on Tuesday morning in Rohtak, where a 16 year old national level basketball player died after an iron pole collapsed on him during solo practice.

CCTV footage from the Lakhan Majra sports ground shows the teenager attempting a dunk around 10 am. As he hung from the rim, the pole suddenly gave way and fell on him, hitting his chest.

Other players rushed in to help, but the boy succumbed to his injuries during treatment at the hospital.

The young athlete was a decorated player. He had won medals at the 47th Sub Junior National Championship in Kangra, the 49th Sub Junior Nationals in Hyderabad and the 39th Youth Nationals in Puducherry.

Similar Accident in Bahadurgarh Raises Alarm

The Rohtak tragedy came just two days after another accident in Bahadurgarh. There, a 15 year old boy died when a basketball pole collapsed on him at the Hoshiar Singh Sports Stadium.

He was taken to PGI Rohtak for treatment but could not be saved.

The back to back deaths have sparked widespread anger and renewed scrutiny of Haryana's sports infrastructure. Officials say the upcoming November 28 meeting will focus on systemic failures, accountability and urgent reforms to make sports facilities safer for young athletes across the state.