Hammer throw death lays bare Sports Dept’s apathy

Nikhil Bhardwaj

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 16

Esther (23) might have been alive today, had the Sports Department bothered to repair the hammer throw cage at the Multi-Purpose Stadium and ensured that the practice ground was big enough for this field event.

An aspirant for a job in the Punjab Police, Esther died after a hammer thrown by constable Harjot Singh, a national athlete, hit her on the head on Friday evening.

During a visit to the stadium today, The Tribune team spotted several shortcomings. The cage is in a shambles, while the length of the ground is just 50 metres – inadequate for the hammer throw. The practice grounds for tennis and volleyball are located close by, posing a threat to the players.

A group of athletes, requesting anonymity, said the incident happened due to the department’s negligence.

An athlete said the hammer had gone outside the stadium on earlier occasions too and fallen in the makeshift parking lot.

SAI centre incharge Harbans Singh said, “It was an accident. The hammer thrown by Harjot went in the wrong direction.”

District Sports Officer (DSO) Kartar Singh said, “Harjot’s wife repeatedly told the girl to leave the place. She was about to go with her friend when the hammer struck her.”

The DSO said the department was planning to shift the cage to a safe spot or fix timings for hammer throwers so that no other players or visitors were present at that time.

Esther’s father Raj Kumar alleged that the police were forcing him to reach a compromise. Investigating officer Kamaljit Singh denied the allegation. He said efforts were on to arrest the constable.