Updated On: 27 November, 2025 08:55 AM IST | Chandigarh | Agencies
Hardik Rathi, a 16-year-old national-level player, lost his life in a shocking accident when a basketball pole collapsed on him during practice in Rohtak. CCTV footage shows the moment the pole gave way, sparking outrage over poor sports infrastructure

Sixteen-year-old Hardik Rathi. Pic/X@Mukundshahi73
A teen national-level player died in a freak accident on a basketball court in Haryana’s Rohtak, after the iron pole of the basketball hoop fell on him, police said on Wednesday. Hardik Rathi, 16, died after the iron pole of a basketball hoop fell on his chest during practice.
The incident on Tuesday was captured on CCTV camera. The footage showed Hardik, who earlier took part in the national sub-junior basketball championship, reaching for the hoop, but as soon as he attempts to hang from it, the pole collapses and crushes him under it.