Rohtak: National-Level Basketball Player Crushed To Death After Pole Collapse; Haryana CM Responds

Haryana: A routine practice session turned fatal for a young basketball talent in Haryana’s Rohtak, where a 16-year-old national-level player, Hardik, lost his life in a shocking on-court accident. The incident, filmed on CCTV, unfolded in seconds.Hardik, who had represented Haryana in the Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship, was practising at a sports complex in Lakhan Majra village on Tuesday. The footage shows him leaping toward the hoop and attempting to hang from it, a move many young players make in the spirit of the game.But the moment quickly turned tragic.As he held onto the rim, the iron pole of the basketball hoop suddenly gave way, collapsing directly onto his chest. The impact was severe. His friends, seated along the court’s

edge, ran to him in panic and rushed him to hospital, but it was too late. Hardik succumbed to his injuries, police confirmed.

Investigation Underway — How Did the Pole Collapse?

Authorities are now looking into why the pole failed, whether it was poorly installed, rusted or inadequately maintained. Police officials said the condition of the equipment is a key part of the investigation, and responsibility will be established once the probe concludes.Local SHO Samarjeet Singh confirmed the sequence of events and the player’s death following hospitalisation.

Chief Minister Responds

When asked about the incident, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said he would first gather complete information before commenting further.Hardik was not just another student on court — he was a growing talent, a national-level cager with dreams, discipline and the passion to rise higher. A moment of joy became a moment of grief.The sports fraternity in Haryana now mourns a future that will never be seen, a teenager who stepped onto the court to train but never returned home.(with inputs from PTI)