Uzair, a resident of Ujjain’s Jama Masjid area, was representing Madhya Pradesh at the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) National Championship in Kolkata. He suffered a severe neck injury on January 16 while practicing at the BNR Centre, shortly before the competition was scheduled to begin.
According to information provided by the family, Uzair was warming up around 1.50 pm when his hand slipped during a routine move, causing him to fall headfirst onto the floor. He was immediately taken to PG Hospital in Kolkata, where doctors described his condition as critical following medical examination and imaging.
Uzair remained under treatment for nearly two weeks but succumbed to his injuries on January 28. His body is being flown to Indore and will later be taken to Ujjain for last rites.
The family has alleged that the team’s coach and manager failed to remain with the injured gymnast during his hospitalisation. Uzair’s maternal uncle, Dr Saqib, claimed that when family members reached Kolkata, no team officials were present at the hospital. He further alleged that after Uzair’s death, attempts to contact the coach and manager went unanswered.
Uzair Ali, son of Mazhar Ali, was a member of the Under-17 gymnastics team and had been training in the sport from a young age alongside his studies. He had won multiple medals at district and state levels and had earned the title of Madhya Pradesh’s top gymnast. He was also selected to compete at the national level, which his family described as a major milestone in his sporting career.
Responding to the allegations, team manager Ram Singh Banihar dismissed the claims as baseless. He stated that the team had reached Kolkata on January 12 with 43 athletes for competitions scheduled between January 15 and 17. According to him, Uzair was injured just minutes before the gymnastics event on January 16 and was promptly admitted to PG Hospital.
Banihar said the family was informed immediately and added that the coach visited the hospital later that night. He explained that his responsibility was to ensure the safe return of the remaining athletes and that authorities from the West Bengal government and SGFI extended support during the incident.
No official inquiry has been announced so far. However, the incident has raised concerns over safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and accountability in school-level national sports events.
.jpg)
