Rohtak (Haryana) [India], December 15 (HBTV): The Haryana government has ordered immediate remedial steps to address substandard sports infrastructure and equipment across all sports premises under its jurisdiction, following the death of a 16-year-old national-level basketball player in Rohtak earlier.
The incident occurred during a practice session when an old basketball post collapsed on the player at the Hoshiyar Singh Stadium. The tragedy prompted widespread concern over the condition and maintenance of sports facilities in the state.
Wrestler Geeta Phogat expressed grief over the incident, calling it a very sad matter. Speaking in Sonipat, she conveyed condolences to the victim’s family and stressed the need for proper maintenance and timely repair of existing sports infrastructure to prevent such incidents in the future.
The victim’s father, Sandeep Rathi, held the administration responsible for the tragedy. He said that inadequate facilities and poor upkeep of sports infrastructure put young sportspersons at risk, adding that players must be provided with safe and adequate facilities so they can represent the country in the future.
District Sports Officer Satender Kumar said the incident took place at the Hoshiyar Singh Stadium, a school-owned facility that also houses a wrestling centre. He said an old basketball pole at the court gave way after children climbed on it, leading to the fatal accident. He described the incident as unfortunate and a matter of serious concern for the department.
Kumar added that a similar incident involving a basketball post had occurred earlier in Lakhan Majra, following which a committee was constituted to inspect sports facilities. He said the committee includes basketball coaches, in-charges and senior officials from Rajiv Gandhi stadiums, and has been tasked with inspecting all grounds and equipment. He said outdated and faulty posts would be removed and replaced, and that funding would be sought from the department for installing new equipment.
Meanwhile, the Sports Department of the Government of Haryana has issued directions to take immediate corrective action against substandard buildings and sports equipment at sports premises under its control. The department has ordered the immediate removal of all substandard sports equipment, the suspension of use of unsafe infrastructure, and the initiation of repair work without delay.
(ANI)