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A teenager’s death after a collapsing basketball pole in Haryana has sparked outrage, triggering suspensions, inquiries, and a statewide review of sports infrastructure.
Shocking Court Collapse Claims Teen’s Life; Haryana Govt Launches Inquiry and Suspensions (Right: Deceased Aman)
The Haryana government has initiated strong action following the fatal accident at a basketball sports nursery in Rohtak, with Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam suspending the District Sports Officer and halting operations at the nursery. A high-level review meeting has been scheduled for 28 November at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, with all senior and district officials summoned.
A 16-year-old national-level basketball player died after a basketball pole collapsed on him at Bahadurgarh Stadium in Haryana, triggering widespread grief and raising serious questions about sports infrastructure and administrative oversight. The District Sports Officer has acknowledged negligence, prompting authorities to form a committee to investigate the incident and recommend urgent improvements.
Officer admits lapse
Following the tragedy, the District Sports Officer admitted that the basketball poles at the stadium were extremely old and should have been replaced long ago. Officials confirmed that the equipment was in poor condition and overdue for a complete overhaul.
In response to the grave lapse, a committee has been constituted to probe the incident, inspect all sports equipment, and oversee replacements. The basketball coach and the in-charge of Rajiv Gandhi Stadium have also been included in the inquiry panel. Authorities have stated that work to replace damaged and outdated sports equipment will begin immediately.
Chief Minister responds
Reacting to the incident, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said he had only just been informed about the matter. “I will gather all the details and comment further after reviewing the incident,” he stated.
The incident has ignited concerns over the state of sporting infrastructure across Haryana.
The death of a young basketball player has prompted strong reactions from senior Haryana ministers, who have termed the incident deeply distressing and unacceptable. Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda expressed grief, calling the loss of a talented teenage athlete “extremely unfortunate”. He added that such sudden accidents cut short promising futures, and stressed that the ongoing probe would determine responsibility and corrective steps.
Following the outcry, Haryana Cabinet Minister and General Secretary of the Haryana Olympic Association, Krishan Lal Panwar, announced a comprehensive review of sports courts across the state.
Addressing the incident, Panwar said, “This unfortunate incident has come to my notice. We will write to the Sports Department and the Education Department regarding this.” He emphasised the need to verify whether the court in Lakhan Majra, where the accident occurred, was privately maintained or under government supervision.
To prevent further tragedies, Panwar stated that a District Officer (DO) would be designated to inspect all basketball and similar sports courts operating in schools and training centres statewide. The inspections will assess maintenance standards, structural safety, and compliance with protocols.
How the incident happened?
The horrific accident occurred while the 16-year-old, identified as Hardik in Rohtak and Aman in Bahadurgarh reports, was practising alone on the court. CCTV footage showed him attempting a routine manoeuvre to improve his scoring reach.
On his second attempt, as he clutched the rim, the unstable pole uprooted entirely and crashed onto his chest. Though his friends rushed to lift the structure and free him, the young player succumbed to his injuries soon after.
In this country, if you are not playing cricket, you are on your own. The infrastructure in non-cricketing sports is a killing agent. You are plain lucky if you survive. A young, talented life lost in Basketball court in Rohtak Haryana. Rest in peace, Hardik Rathi 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Uqc6FmRuVo— Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) November 26, 2025
Family alleges medical negligence
The tragedy has been compounded by the family’s allegations that doctors at PGI failed to provide timely treatment. They claim the boy could have been saved had he received swift medical attention.
Aman, the only brother to two sisters, had gone out to play despite his mother urging him to stay home. A relative had arrived for a family ceremony, adding to the family’s deep emotional distress. They have demanded strict action against the doctors they believe acted negligently.
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public…Read More
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public… Read More
Rohtak, India, India
November 26, 2025, 1:45 PM IST
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