Chandigarh:Holding the Haryana government's sports department responsible for the tragic death of national-level basketball player Hardik Rathi (16) in Rohtak, his relative has said the rusted pole that led to the freak accident was not repaired despite repeated requests.

Speaking to NDTV, Hardik's cousin Khadak Singh Rathi said their family has suffered a loss that cannot be compensated for. "Hardik was a decent, focused boy. His dream was to lead India in basketball."

Hardik was the elder of two brothers, and his father had enrolled both of them into a basketball academy in Rohtak's Lakhan Majra.

He practised for six hours daily -- 4 am to 7 am and 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Khadak Singh said that whenever the teenagers were free, or their school was shut, they would hit the court for a practice session.

Around 10.30 am yesterday, Hardik was practising on the court. CCTV footage of the incident shows him jumping and touching the basket. During one of these jumps, he clutched the basket's rim and the pole fell on him.

His friends and playmates, who must have been taking a break, rushed to the court. They lifted the pole and rescued Hardik, but the damage was done.

Source:Ndtv