Opposition leader accuses Punjab chief minister of politicising athletes’ deaths

Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini strongly criticised Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday for his comments following the deaths of two teenage athletes in separate accidents in Haryana. Saini said it was deeply unfortunate that anyone would bring politics into such painful tragedies, especially when families are mourning the loss of their children.

The criticism came after Mann visited the family of one of the victims, 16-year-old Hardik, in Rohtak on Thursday. During his visit, Mann questioned the condition of sports facilities in Haryana and said that the safety of young athletes should be a top priority. He remarked that there could be no greater worry for parents than fearing for their children’s safety on sports grounds. Mann also said he had gone to meet the family “as a sports lover” and not for political gain.

However, Saini took strong exception to the remarks. Speaking to reporters at the Chandigarh Railway Station, he said that while visiting grieving families is a good and humane gesture, using such moments to raise political questions was wrong. Saini insisted that the deaths of children should never become an opportunity for political statements or blame.

The tragedies that triggered this exchange involved two teenagers who lost their lives after basketball poles collapsed in separate incidents. Hardik, a promising young player who had participated in the national sub-junior basketball championship, died during practice at Lakhan Majra village in Rohtak on Tuesday. In another incident, 15-year-old Aman was injured in Bahadurgarh when a pole fell on him. He later passed away while receiving treatment at PGIMS Rohtak on Monday.

These back-to-back deaths shocked the local sports community and raised concerns among parents, coaches and students. Many people expressed fear about the condition of sports infrastructure in schools and training centres, particularly in smaller towns and villages. The incidents also led to demands for stricter safety checks to prevent such accidents in the future.

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Debate over sports infrastructure grows

Mann’s comments brought national attention to the condition of facilities used by young athletes in Haryana. During his visit to Hardik’s family, he asked what could be a “bigger insecurity for parents” than worrying about their children’s safety at sports grounds. He said that such accidents highlight the need for proper maintenance and safety precautions in sports facilities. Mann also repeated that his visit was personal and not political, saying that he had gone there because he cares about the sports community.

Saini responded by pointing out issues in Punjab as well. He referred to incidents where kabaddi players were murdered in Punjab and said that Mann should first look at the situation in his own state before commenting on Haryana. Saini argued that every state faces different challenges when it comes to sports, law and order, and public safety. According to him, instead of criticising other states, leaders should focus on solving problems within their own regions.

He added that the Haryana government is committed to investigating the incidents thoroughly. He said that strict action would be taken if any negligence is found. Saini also said the state government is working to improve training facilities, ensure safer practices and encourage more young athletes to participate in sports with confidence.

The debate between the two chief ministers reflects a larger conversation happening across the country about the safety of children in sports. Many experts say that while India is promoting sports at various levels and creating programs to identify young talent, there is still a long way to go in improving basic infrastructure. Weak or poorly maintained equipment, lack of timely inspections and untrained staff can create dangerous situations for young players.

Parents of athletes often raise concerns about whether schools and local clubs are following proper guidelines. They want safer sports grounds, stronger equipment, proper supervision and regular safety audits. Coaches also say that better training and awareness can help reduce risks during practice sessions.

In the wake of these tragedies, many former athletes and sports organisations called for an immediate review of all sporting equipment in schools and village grounds. They said that regular monitoring should be mandatory and any damaged or unstable equipment should be promptly repaired or replaced. Several sports activists said this was not the first time such accidents had taken place, and that a stronger and more uniform safety policy was needed.

At the same time, community members also expressed support for the grieving families. Candlelight gatherings and condolence messages were shared across Rohtak and Bahadurgarh. Young players who trained with Hardik and Aman said that they were devastated by the loss and hoped that the government would ensure no other child suffers a similar fate.

The incident also sparked conversations about mental and emotional support for families dealing with sudden tragedies. Local leaders urged officials to provide counselling and financial assistance where needed. They said that beyond political debate, the focus should be on helping the affected families rebuild their lives.

As the discussion continues, both Haryana and Punjab face pressure to show improvements in sports safety. The tragic deaths of Hardik and Aman have reminded everyone that children’s safety on the field must be treated with the highest seriousness. Whether the two state governments work together or independently, parents and athletes hope that meaningful steps will be taken soon so that sports remain a place of growth, learning and inspiration—not danger.