16-year-old national level basketball player dies after iron pole collapses on him during practice in Haryana

A 16-year-old national-level basketball player, Hitesh Rathi, died after an iron pole fell on him during practice at a playground in Haryana's Rohtak. The incident took place in Lakhan Majra and the tragedy unfolded when Hardik was practising alone on the basketball court on Tuesday morning. Hardik tried to hang from the basket pole at around 10:00 am. However, the pole collapsed on him, falling directly onto his chest, reports TOI's Anjali Singh.

The CCTV footage showed the metal pole was unstable and when Hardik tried to hang from the basket pole, it buckled and fell on his chest. The hoop and backboard swing down violently, pinning him briefly under its weight as he falls to the ground.

Nearby players rushed to his aid, lifting the structure and providing assistance, but Hitesh died due to injuries. The Haryana Olympic Association has announced it is suspending all sports festivals and events in the state for the next three days as a mark of respect for the deceased.


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Investigation launched into Hitesh Rathi's death

After the tragic death of Hardik Rathi, authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances behind the collapse, examining the condition of the equipment and the safety protocols in place at the playground. Just two days before Hardik’s tragic death, 15-year-old Aman lost his life in a similar accident at Hoshiar Singh Stadium in Bahadurgarh.

He had reached the venue for practice around 3:30 pm when a basketball pole suddenly gave way and struck him. Though he was rushed to PGI Rohtak for treatment, he did not survive.

(With TOI inputs)