MAPUSA: In a tragic incident that has raised serious concerns over safety measures in school sports; a 14-year-old girl lost her life after being struck by a hockey ball during a practice session in Guirim on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Ruiesha Sudhir Kharsel, a resident of Agniwado, Guirim, and a student of St Anthony High School, Monte Guirim. According to information from Saligao Police, the incident occurred during a routine hockey practice session on the school ground as part of final preparations. During the session, a hockey ball accidentally struck Ruiesha on the head, causing severe injuries.
She was immediately rushed to the District Hospital in Mapusa for treatment. However, despite efforts to save her, she was declared brought dead at the casualty ward. Police registered an Unnatural Death (UD) case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Saligao Police have taken up further investigation into the matter, according to official sources.
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Preliminary enquiry conducted by PSI Dishan Naik revealed that the injury occurred during active play, and no foul play is suspected at this stage. The body has been preserved for medico-legal formalities and is expected to be sent to the Goa Medical College (GMC), Bambolim, for post-mortem examination.
The sudden demise of the young student has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing grief and disbelief over the incident. School authorities and local residents gathered to console the bereaved family.
This tragic accident has also sparked discussions about the adequacy of safety measures during school sports activities, particularly in contact sports like hockey. Concerns have been raised regarding the use of protective gear such as helmets and supervision protocols during practice sessions. Further investigation is underway, and police expect to record statements from school staff and eye-witnesses in the coming days.
