Singapore: An investigation into the death of a 14-year-old Indian-origin student-athlete at the Singapore Sports School has revealed a safety lapse. The investigation found that his badminton coach failed to check on his well-being before leaving the training area, as reported by PTI. According to a report by Channel News Asia on Saturday, the coach has been issued a notice of termination. Pranav Madhaik, a member of the school’s badminton academy who aspired to become an Olympic champion, fell ill after a 400-meter fitness time trial on October 5.
Pranav was subsequently transported to the National University Hospital and, unfortunately, he passed away on Wednesday, October 11. In a press statement issued on Saturday, the Singapore Sports School provided a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the boy’s demise and shared the results of the investigation.
Following his completion of the time trial on October 5, around 6:26 p.m., Pranav informed the badminton coach that he was feeling unwell.
Time trials and conditioning sessions are a regular part of student-athletes’ training plans, according to the school.
The coach advised Pranav to rest, as he had previously reported feeling unwell but had recuperated after some rest.
Pranav rested by the starting point, while the coach examined time-trial data on his phone. Following this, he left the track to brief other student-athletes on competition-related matters, unaware that Pranav was still resting at the same location. The coach left the school premises after the briefing. The school noted that the coach should have ensured Pranav’s well-being by checking on him before leaving the track.
Furthermore, the coach failed to follow the school’s safety protocols as he did not account for all his student-athletes before dismissing them from training.
“The Singapore Sports School takes this matter seriously. The coach has been served a notice of dismissal,” it said.
“The school is also reviewing and strengthening all its safety protocols, and emphasised to coaches and staff the importance of adhering to them.” While Pranav was resting, he interacted with two other groups of student-athletes that walked by.
“The school extends our deepest condolences to the family of Pranav, and is supporting the family in their time of grief,” the press release said.
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