Kerala student critically injured in Taekwondo bout; family alleges referee negligence

Kochi: A 17-year-old Kerala student is critically injured and on ventilator support after an opponent allegedly kicked him in the head during a CBSE South Zone Taekwondo competition in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Faiz Abdul Jalal, a Plus Two student at a private English-medium school in Thrissur, was injured during the competition on August 3. His family has alleged that the referee failed to intervene despite an earlier foul and did not stop the bout after Jalal indicated that he wanted to withdraw.

According to his paternal uncle, Mujeeb, Jalal was initially kicked in the groin by his opponent during the bout. He then moved away and signalled with his head that he wanted the match to be stopped.

The family alleges that the referee should have immediately intervened after seeing the signal. They also claimed that the referee failed to follow competition rules requiring officials to stay close to the contestants and remain within two metres of them.

Instead, the bout allegedly continued. While Jalal was standing outside the court after withdrawing, his opponent delivered a powerful kick to his head, the family alleged. The teenager lost his balance, fell and struck his head on the concrete floor.

School authorities immediately took Jalal to a private hospital in Nagpur, where he underwent emergency surgery the same day.

"The emergency surgery helped save his life," Mujeeb said.

Jalal was later flown to Kochi by air ambulance on Sunday for further treatment. He remains on ventilator support at a private hospital, although doctors have reported some improvement in his condition, according to his family.

The family has lodged a complaint with the CBSE, alleging negligence and an irresponsible approach by the referee. They have also decided to pursue legal action.

"We have lodged a complaint with the CBSE. We will continue our legal fight until he gets justice," Mujeeb said.

(PTI)