Nagpur: 17-year-old national-level sepak takraw player killed in speeding motorcycle collision

A 17-year-old upcoming sepak takraw player in Nagpur died after being hit by a speeding motorcycle. She had played at the national level and won gold medals for Maharashtra. Her death has left her family, fellow players and the city's sporting community in shock.

According to police sources, the accident took place at Sangharsh Nagar Chowk at about 6.30 pm on November 11. The player, a resident of Jat Tarodi in the Imamwada area, had allegedly stopped to take a U-turn when the motorcycle hit her. She was taken to hospital in a critical condition, where doctors declared her dead.

She had played in several state-level events for Nagpur and won medals seven to eight times. Competing in four to five national events for Maharashtra, she also won gold medals. She had also shown her skill at major platforms such as Khelo India. Sepak takraw is a popular sport of South-East Asia, described as a mix of football and volleyball. Players control the ball with their feet, knees, chest and head and send it across the net.

Behind the medals lay a story of hardship. The family was financially weak and even buying proper sports shoes was difficult. There was no money for tickets and other expenses to travel to other cities for competitions. Her academy and fellow players reportedly pooled money several times so that shoes and travel could be arranged. Her death has also raised the question of how much support talented players from weak economic backgrounds receive.

After the accident, local residents reportedly caught the motorcyclist and handed him over to the police. The family alleges that the accused was taken to the police station between 7 pm and 8 pm but was released with a notice between 2.30 am and 3 am. The family was furious on learning of the release the next morning and approached corporator and Standing Committee member Waseem Khan for help. The family wants the accused taken into custody again and strict legal action taken against him.

Waseem Khan, family members, fellow players, people from the academy and local residents went to Zone 4 DCP Rashmita Rao to seek justice. The DCP was reportedly not in her office and could not be reached by phone. The protesters then gathered outside the DCP office with the body in an ambulance. They shouted slogans demanding that the accused be taken into custody immediately, that strict action be taken, and that the family be given financial help by the government.

ACP Narendra Hivre and Umakant Rathod, in charge of Nandanvan police station, then reached the spot. Police officers said over a video call that the motorcyclist had been taken into custody. The victim's two sisters also identified the accused over the video call. The family said the accused should not be released until the funeral was over. They also asked to meet senior police officers and sought assurances of appropriate legal action and financial help. After talks with the police, the body was taken home and the funeral was held.