The tragic deaths of two young athletes at a Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel in Kollam, Kerala, have left families and the local sporting community in shock. The victims, a Class X student from Thiruvananthapuram and a Class XII student from Kozhikode, were discovered in the same hostel room early Thursday morning. Authorities suspect suicide, as handwritten notes were reportedly recovered from the girls’ pockets, though investigations are still ongoing to ascertain the exact circumstances.
Father Speaks of Shock and Disbelief
Speaking to media, the father of the Class X student, who had been a state-level kabaddi player, expressed disbelief at the sudden tragedy. “If there was anything going on in the SAI hostel that bothered my daughter, she would have told me. That’s what shocks me,” he said. He revealed that his daughter had called home just a few hours before her death, seeming happy and in normal spirits.
He recounted that the day before the incident, his daughter’s kabaddi team had won a match in Kalluvathukkal. “She wanted to celebrate the win with milkshakes with her teammates, and I had sent her some money. After reaching the hostel, she had phoned us on our landline and spoke quite normally. She did not say anything that would suggest that she was in any mental trauma,” he said.
The father added, “What could have happened in the span of a few hours post that phone call that compelled her to take such a step? I cannot believe it.”
Suicide Note and Concerns
The family mentioned that they have not seen the alleged suicide note. “I was told by the police that she had asked for forgiveness from her parents in the note. She also said something about the warden. I don’t have more details,” the father said. The details of the note remain under investigation, and authorities are yet to release additional information to the public.
Investigation Underway
The Kollam East Police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched a formal investigation. Autopsy results are expected to provide crucial insights into the cause of death and whether there were external factors involved.
In addition, on police directions, five counsellors visited the SAI hostel on Friday to take statements from the residents and gather further information. Officials are also reviewing hostel protocols and staff oversight to understand if there were any lapses that might have contributed to the tragedy.
Athletic Community in Shock
The deaths have sent shockwaves through Kerala’s sports community. Both girls were promising athletes who had represented the state at various levels. The Class X student had been selected to join the SAI hostel one-and-a-half years ago, highlighting her potential and dedication to kabaddi.
Local sports authorities and fellow trainees have expressed grief and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Families Seek Answers
The families of the victims have reported that they have not yet been able to speak to SAI officials or the police in detail about the deaths. They are seeking clarity and hope that the investigation will uncover the reasons behind the sudden and tragic loss of two young lives.
Mental Health Support and Precautions
Following the incident, authorities and counsellors at the SAI hostel have reportedly begun offering mental health support to the remaining trainees, emphasizing the need for awareness and timely intervention. Officials have highlighted that the incident will prompt a review of hostel protocols, supervision, and counselling services to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the investigation continues, Kerala authorities have urged the public and media to await official findings before drawing conclusions, while families and the sporting community continue to mourn the unexpected loss.
Leave a Reply