2 boys die as basketball poles fall on them in Rohtak, Jhajjar

In two separate incidents, two minor boys died after basketball poles reportedly collapsed on them in Lakhan Majra village (Rohtak) and Bahadurgarh town (Jhajjar).

The deceased, identified as Hardik (16) of Lakhan Majra, Rohtak, and Aman (15) of Bahadurgarh, were Class X students. Hardik, a national-level player, participated in several sub-junior and junior national championships.

The first incident occurred on Sunday in Bahadurgarh when Aman was practicing at Brigadier Hoshiar Singh Stadium. A basketball pole suddenly fell on him. He was rushed to the civil hospital and later referred to PGIMS Rohtak, where he succumbed to his injuries on Monday night.

The second incident took place on Tuesday at Yuva Sports Club in Lakhan Majra. Hardik sustained severe injuries when a basketball pole broke and collapsed on him when he reportedly attempted to touch the basket. Other young players rushed to help after noticing him trapped under the pole. He was taken to the hospital, but died of his injuries. The incident was also captured by the CCTV camera installed near the basketball court.

“Over 35 boys come daily to Yuva Sports Club to practice basketball. The basketball poles had been in a dilapidated condition for a long time, but no one paid attention despite repeated complaints,” said one of the village boys.

Mohit Rathee, a private basketball coach at the club, told The Tribune that they had met Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini during his visit to Rohtak three months ago and requested that the club’s ground be repaired. He had assured them of fulfilling the request.

Hardik’s cousin Khadak Singh and Aman’s father Suresh demanded justice, stating that the tragic incidents had left them devastated.

Meanwhile, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda visited Hardik’s family in Lakhan Majra today and expressed grief. He said the deaths of the two talented young players were entirely the result of the government’s negligence and systemic apathy, adding that such disregard amounts to a criminal offence.

Deepender demanded a member of both players’ families be given a government job along with maximum financial assistance. He also called for an investigation into why the MPLAD fund was not used and urged strict action against those officers responsible for that.

“When villagers highlighted the poor condition of the club, I provided a grant of Rs 12.3 lakh from my MPLAD fund in November 2023 and another Rs 6.2 lakh in June 2025 for replacement of basketball poles and other facilities. Even after providing a total grant of Rs 18.5 lakh, the government did not utilise the funds. If the grant had been properly utilised, Hardik’s death could have been prevented. Players even met the CM, but no action was taken,” the MP claimed.

Dist sports officer suspended

Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam, while talking to a news agency, said the District Sports Officer, Rohtak, and the functioning of the sports nursery operated under the gram panchayat have been suspended. He said such incidents are unacceptable under any circumstances. He issued directions to Motilal Nehru School of Sports, Rai (Sonepat), Deputy Directors of Sports Boards in Ambala, Hisar, Rohtak and Gurugram, as well as all District Sports Officers across the state, to conduct a thorough inspection of buildings and sports equipment in all sports complexes.