'We are govt, can’t run from responsibility': Sports Minister on players' deaths

In a candid conversation with The Tribune, state Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam did not shy away from accountability over the tragic deaths of two teenage basketball players in Rohtak and Jhajjar, even though the stadiums did not fall under the purview of his department. Instead, he acknowledged that when it comes to athletes' safety, the buck stops with the government.

“In both tragedies, the courts didn’t belong to the sports department. The Lakhan Majra incident (Rohtak) took place on a basketball court that belonged to the panchayat, while the death in Bahadurgarh (Jhajjar) happened in the education department’s stadium. However, wherever a player plays, the sports department gets involved,” he said.

The back-to-back incidents—where Hardik Rathi (16) and Aman (15) were killed after the basketball poles snapped—have raised alarming questions about the safety and maintenance of sports infrastructure in the state.

Asked if he owned the responsibility, Gautam did not deflect. “We are the government. We are not running from our responsibility, whichever department is involved. We take responsibility. We will remove any shortcomings,” he said.

Statewide check ordered

In the wake of public outrage and grief, Gautam has directed all District Sports Officers (DSOs) to check sports-related infrastructure across the state, regardless of which department owns the facility.

He defended his department’s track record, highlighting recent investments in maintenance. “We have been holding review meetings, which take place every month or bi-monthly. Last month, we released Rs 114 crore to the Public Works Department for the maintenance of 92 stadiums. Several tenders have been issued. More will be issued soon,” he informed, adding that deadlines would be enforced for infrastructure upkeep, and those responsible would face consequences.

Asked why he suspended the DSO of Rohtak, and not of Jhajjar, he said the matter was being investigated.

On Punjab CM's visit

He did not hold back when asked about Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s visit to the bereaved family in Rohtak, where Mann had reportedly commented on Haryana’s sports infrastructure. “The CM (Nayab Saini) is concerned about the sports requirements of Haryana’s youth. The Punjab CM should worry about their youth, who are in the grip of drug addiction,” he remarked.

Drawing harsh comparisons between the two states, he said, “In Punjab, players are shot in playgrounds. Their world champions, particularly those of football and fencing, and I can even name them, are forced to sell tea or do odd jobs.” He said Punjab had failed to implement a 3% quota for athletes.

He cited the murder of Daljit Singh, a campaigner against drug abuse, to allege lawlessness in Punjab.

“When there is such a tragedy (Hardik's death), Mann shouldn’t have politicised it while coming to Haryana,” he said.

Lakhan Majra funding

*Responding to Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda’s claim that funds for the Lakhan Majra basketball court were allocated from MPLADS, the minister said, “It is to be seen whether it was given for panchayat development or stadium. I am yet to get the details.”

*Hardik's father Sandeep Rathi said had politicians made a beeline earlier, as they were doing today, his son could have been saved, as complaints about poor infrastructure had already been submitted. Aman’s father, Suresh Kumar, also alleged negligence.