New Delhi: A young life full of promise was cut short in a breathtaking accident in Rohtak, where a 16-year-old national-level basketball player, Hardik Rathi, lost his life during a routine practice session. He was practising in the court in Lakhan Majra yesterday when the pole fell forward and crushed him. His friends ran to help him but he could not be saved.

CCTV footage from the facility shows Hardik performing a regular drill that players use to improve their scoring reach. He leapt, grabbed the rim and within a couple of seconds, the entire pole toppled forward as it was not planted firmly. The backboard crashed straight onto his chest. His friends sprinted to lift the structure off him but despite their desperate attempts, Hardik could not be saved. He died shortly after being pulled out.

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

Another tragedy in less than 48 hours

This marked the second fatality under similar circumstances. In Bahadurgarh a similar incident occurred when a 15-year-old Aman who was also a promising young player, suffered internal injuries when a basketball pole fell during practice. He later died at PGIMS Rohtak with his family alleging a delay in medical care.

Both the young boys who have died were training at the government sports facilities. Their sudden deaths have raised questions over the condition of public sports infrastructure in Haryana, a state which is well known for producing Olympic medalists and world-class athletes. Parents and locals are questioning how such basic safety failures could go unchecked.

Officials step in as safety concerns rise

The Haryana Sports Department has reacted with swift disciplinary action. In the process Rohtak’s District Sports Officer has been suspended and the district basketball nursery has been shut temporarily. Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam called the incidents deeply alarming and has summoned all district sports officers for an urgent review meeting.

A statewide inspection drive is now underway to identify damaged equipment and unsafe structures at sports centres. The officers responsible for oversight have been warned of strict accountability before any further negligence costs further such accidents. The back-to-back incidents serve as a grim reminder that nurturing sporting talent begins with ensuring a safe place to play.