At Chandigarh University in Mohali, India, 21-year-old martial arts champion Mohit Sharma lost his life after collapsing during an inter-university wushu tournament on Monday.
Representing Rajasthan University in the 85kg weight category of the All India Inter-University Wushu Championship, Sharma had successfully claimed the first round of his match. During the second round, both competitors fell off the crash mats before returning to continue. As Sharma, wearing red, attempted to charge forward, he suddenly collapsed on the canvas.
Medical staff rushed to his aid immediately. According to the Indian Express, he was first taken to the on-site medical center before being transported to Kharar Government hospital, where he was tragically declared dead on arrival Monday evening. Reports suggest he suffered a suspected heart attack.
His father Ashok, who runs a small grocery shop in Jaipur, shared his heartbreak: “Mohit was passionate about wushu and other martial arts and that was the reason he made me shift to Jaipur so that he could train at a local college. It was tough for me as I opened the shop to support Mohit and my family including my wife Sunita and daughters, Nisha and Ritika back at the village.”
“When Mohit was selected for the Rajasthan University team, he was excited and told us that he would win a medal and make Rajasthan proud. With his loss, we have lost everything including our dreams to see him win medals,” Ashok added.
Sharma had built an impressive career, winning multiple national and state-level titles. Initially practicing karate and kickboxing, he later specialized in wushu and had competed internationally in Thailand.
Rajat Gupta, Sharma’s friend and fellow trainer, remembered him fondly: “Mohit was passionate about martial arts and would rarely miss any training day. He would come for practice with us at the stadium ground and when I met him last week, he was excited about playing in the All India Inter University meet in Chandigarh University.”
Heera Chaudhary, Rajasthan University wushu team head coach, described the tragic event: “Mohit had won the university trials earlier and was part of our team here. He won the first round but then collapsed suddenly. The doctors gave him CPR though we could not see any automated external defibrillator at the venue.” Chaudhary has urged the Rajasthan government to support the family and provide employment to Sharma’s next of kin.
