In a shocking road accident in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district, para-badminton star and Arjuna Award winner Manoj Sarkar has sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred near Raison village under Kachhuna police station limits, sending shockwaves through the sports community.
Sarkar, hailing from Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, was traveling back from Lucknow with two friends when tragedy struck. As their car approached Sandila village, it collided with a nilgai crossing the road unexpectedly. The vehicle veered out of control, smashing into a nearby pipeline, leaving all occupants injured.
Local reports indicate Sarkar suffered critical injuries and was first rushed to a private hospital in the vicinity. Doctors, assessing his precarious condition, promptly referred him to a specialized facility in Lucknow for advanced treatment.
Manoj Sarkar is no stranger to glory. A world No. 1 in para-badminton, he clinched the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2018. His illustrious career boasts 18 gold medals from international tournaments, including a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. This accident raises concerns about road safety in rural stretches and the vulnerability of athletes on the move.
Authorities are investigating the crash, with preliminary findings pointing to the sudden appearance of the wild animal as the trigger. Fans and fellow players are rallying in support, hoping for Sarkar’s swift recovery to return to the badminton court stronger.