Haryana government removes top sports officials after teen athletes' deaths
After two teenage basketball players died when old, unsafe poles collapsed at government-run sports facilities, the Haryana government has removed two top sports officials.
Hardik Rathee, 16, lost his life during practice in Rohtak on November 25; just a day earlier, Aman, 15, died in a similar accident in Bahadurgarh.
Why does this matter?
These tragedies have put a spotlight on neglected sports infrastructure. Officials admitted the equipment was overdue for replacement.
Now, Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam has ordered urgent inspections and promised zero tolerance for such lapses.
Who's taking charge now?
To address these failures, Haryana has appointed Vijay Singh Dahiya as the new commissioner of the sports department and Parth Gupta as director of sports.
Both are experienced IAS officers who have been appointed following the recent tragedies.