Promising martial artist slips into well, dies

BHOPAL: A promising young martial artist from Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district died after an accidental fall into a well near her house while attempting to switch on a motor pump on Friday evening.

The girl, identified as 14-year-old Keshika Chaure, had been making a mark in taekwondo and karate at martial arts events from a very young age, her family said.

According to her family, the incident took place around 7 pm in the Sarang Bihari area of the district.

Keshika went to a well located near her house after her father stepped out, the police said, adding that she lost balance in the darkness and slipped into the well.

Though some locals rushed to the spot after learning about her fall, followed by a desperate rescue bid that stretched for several hours, the young athlete couldn’t be saved.

Speaking to TOI, her maternal uncle, Pawan Viswakarma, said, “She was very good at martial arts, especially karate and taekwondo. She was studying in Class 9 and trained in martial arts along with her younger brother.”

“After her father left home on Friday evening, she went to a well near her house to switch on the motor pump. However, it was pitch dark all around and she lost balance and slid right into the well. Though she knew swimming, she received some injuries while hurtling down the well and probably lost consciousness. Some locals mounted a rescue attempt that lasted till 1 am but her body couldn’t be retrieved,” he added.

The word of her death in a freak accident sent shockwaves across the local sports community, with players and coaches mourning the loss of a talented martial artist.

The police initiated a preliminary investigation into the incident.