Nagpur: A 17-year-old Kerala student is battling for his life after sustaining a serious head injury during a CBSE South Zone Taekwondo competition in Nagpur, with his family alleging that a referee’s failure to intervene at crucial moments contributed to the incident.
The incident took place on August 3 during the competition in Nagpur. The injured student, Faiz Abdul Jalal, a Plus Two student of a private English-medium school in Thrissur, was initially admitted to a private hospital in Nagpur, where he underwent emergency surgery. He was later airlifted to Kochi for further treatment and remains on ventilator support, according to his family.
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His paternal uncle, Mujeeb, alleged that the incident followed a series of lapses during the bout.
According to the family, Jalal was initially kicked in the groin by his opponent during the contest. Following the foul, he moved away from the contest area and indicated that he wanted to withdraw from the bout.
Mujeeb claimed that Jalal also signalled with his head that he wanted the contest to be stopped. The family alleged that the referee should have immediately intervened after noticing the student’s signal.
However, the bout was allegedly not stopped.
The family further alleged that the referee failed to follow the prescribed requirement of staying close to the contestants and moving along with them while maintaining the required distance.
Second kick allegedly caused serious head injury
According to Mujeeb, the situation took a serious turn when Jalal, after withdrawing from the contest, was standing outside the court.
The opponent allegedly delivered a powerful kick to Jalal’s head. The impact caused the teenager to lose his balance and fall heavily, with his head striking the concrete floor.
The student suffered a critical head injury and was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Nagpur by the school authorities.
Doctors performed emergency surgery on him the same day.
“The emergency surgery helped save his life,” Mujeeb said.
Following the initial treatment in Nagpur, Jalal was subsequently shifted to Kochi by air ambulance on Sunday for further specialised medical care.
Student remains on ventilator support
The teenager continues to remain on ventilator support at a hospital in Kochi. According to his family, doctors have reported some improvement in his condition, although he remains seriously ill.
The family has accused the referee of negligence and alleged that the official failed to take appropriate action despite the first foul and Jalal’s apparent indication that he wanted the bout stopped.
The allegations have raised questions over the safety protocols followed during competitive combat sports, particularly regarding the responsibility of officials to intervene when a contestant is injured or signals an inability or unwillingness to continue.
Family approaches CBSE, plans legal action
The family has lodged a complaint with the CBSE authorities, alleging negligence and an irresponsible approach by the referee during the competition.
They have also decided to pursue legal action and are seeking accountability for what they claim were lapses in officiating and safety measures.
“We have lodged a complaint with the CBSE. We will continue our legal fight until he gets justice,” Mujeeb said.
The family is now awaiting a response from the authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, the role of the referee and whether prescribed safety and officiating protocols were followed during the bout.
The incident has also highlighted concerns over the need for strict enforcement of safety procedures at school-level combat sports competitions, where timely intervention by referees can be critical in preventing serious injuries.
