Young player dies during kabaddi match in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: Tragedy struck during a kabaddi match at Tarabod village, located within the Komna police limits of Nuapada district, when a 26-year-old player from Chhattisgarh collapsed and died shortly thereafter.

The incident occurred during an annual inter-state kabaddi tournament held in conjunction with Durga Puja celebrations. The final match was underway, featuring a team from Hatisara in Nuapada district competing against a team from Dudumachua village in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh. With just two and a half minutes left in the match, the atmosphere was electric as spectators cheered for the Dudumachua team, who seemed poised to claim victory along with the trophy and prize money of ₹15,000.

As the excitement built, Khageswar Rathia suddenly fell ill and collapsed, prompting gasps from the crowd. He was swiftly transported to the Tarabod government hospital and subsequently moved to the Nuapada District Headquarters Hospital (DHH).

Unfortunately, by the time he arrived, doctors declared him dead. While the exact cause of his untimely demise is still under investigation, preliminary suspicions suggest a possible heart attack. The incident has left the local community, particularly fellow players, in deep shock and sorrow.