Haryana CM orders inspection of all sports complexes after teen basketball deaths

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday ordered a comprehensive inspection of infrastructure across all sports complexes in the state following the deaths of two teenage basketball players in separate incidents involving the collapse of rusted iron poles.

Saini conveyed his deep condolences to the families and announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh each. Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam directed officials to immediately halt the use of unsafe infrastructure in all complexes.

The tragedies occurred within 48 hours. Sixteen-year-old Hardik Rathi, who had represented the country in the national sub-junior basketball championship, died in Rohtak on Tuesday, while fifteen-year-old Aman, injured in Bahadurgarh, succumbed to his injuries at PGIMS Rohtak on Monday night. Investigations revealed that rusted poles holding the basketball hoops collapsed on the players during practice.

These incidents have cast a harsh spotlight on the state’s crumbling sports infrastructure. Families of the victims expressed deep grief and anger, alleging prior complaints about unsafe equipment were ignored. Hardik’s cousin said warnings about the pole’s condition had been repeatedly communicated to officials, yet no action was taken. The families are demanding accountability, compensation, and preventive measures to ensure no other athletes face similar risks.

Opposition leaders have also condemned the government’s negligence. Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda described the deaths as “avoidable” and blamed the administration for its failure to maintain safety standards. Former national-level athlete Vinesh Phogat echoed the criticism, terming the incidents “plain administrative negligence.” Local players and coaches voiced frustration that repeated complaints about rusted poles and crumbling buildings had gone unheeded.

The state government responded swiftly to mounting public outrage. Gautam directed Motilal Nehru School of Sports (Rai, Sonipat), deputy directors of Sports Boards in Ambala, Hisar, Rohtak, and Gurugram, and all district sports officers to conduct thorough inspections of all buildings and equipment. Unsafe or dilapidated structures are to be removed immediately, and repairs funded through District Sports Councils must begin without delay. Departments coordinating with the Public Works Department or the Sports and Physical Fitness Authority of Haryana are tasked with completing repairs at the earliest. Officers failing to comply will face personal accountability.

Experts and officials emphasise that preventing such tragedies requires systemic reforms. Recommendations include mandatory annual and quarterly safety audits, digital portals to track inspection and maintenance, dedicated emergency funds, certification of sports equipment, and clear lines of accountability for facility officers. In addition, whistleblower mechanisms for coaches and players, QR-coded tagging of sports infrastructure, emergency response protocols, and public reporting of audits and repair schedules can ensure hazards are detected and addressed promptly.

Training coaches and staff to identify early warning signs, coupled with stringent policy reforms requiring contractors to meet safety standards, is seen as critical to preventing future accidents. Officials stress that athlete safety must remain the top priority, and repeated warnings about unsafe infrastructure cannot be ignored.

The twin tragedies in Haryana have underscored the urgent need for a robust safety culture in sports complexes. Families, opposition leaders, and the public are calling for transparent audits, swift repairs, and long-term preventive measures to ensure young athletes can train without risking their lives.