Indian Jujitsu Player Participant Rohini Kalam Dies by Suicide in Madhya Pradesh

In a tragic incident, 35-year-old Indian national jujitsu player Rohini Kalam was found dead at her home in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh. According to reports, the athlete allegedly died by suicide, leaving the sports community and her loved ones in deep shock.

Rohini Kalam, who represented India at the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games, was among the few Indian athletes to gain recognition in jujitsu. This Japanese martial art is still in its early stages of popularity in the country. Her untimely death has once again highlighted the immense mental and professional pressures faced by many sportspersons today.

One of the family members claimed that work pressure and stress might have driven Rohini to take this devastating step. “She was worried about her job. The faculty at her school was troubling her. Her school’s principal was troubling her. I could sense it from the way she was speaking on her phone,” Rohini’s sister Roshni was quoted as saying in media reports.

Rohini had been working as a martial arts coach at a private school in Ashta and had returned home to Dewas on Saturday. According to her sister, workplace harassment and stress had been weighing heavily on her in recent weeks. Roshni further hinted that workplace harassment may also be the sole reason that led to her sister’s death.

Reports suggest that Rohini took this step when no family members were at home. “The faculty at her school was troubling her,” her sister alleged, adding that the continuous pressure and lack of support had broken her spirit.

Police have launched an investigation into the case. Authorities have confirmed that no suicide note or other direct evidence was found at the scene. Rohini was rushed to a hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.

While the investigation continues, her family and the sporting community remain in disbelief. Those who knew Rohini describe her as a dedicated athlete and an inspiring coach, who not only represented India internationally but also mentored young students to take up martial arts.

Apart from her achievements in jujitsu, Rohini also made history as the only Indian to be selected for the World Games in Birmingham. Despite her accomplishments, she had always nurtured a bigger dream. As her sister revealed, “All she dreamt of was to become an IPS officer, which will now forever be a dream.”

India has lost yet another bright and determined talent, a player who had played in a niche sport and inspired many through her discipline and passion. Her death stands as a serious reminder of the mental and emotional struggles faced by athletes behind the medals and recognition. As the nation mourns her loss, there is an urgent call for better support systems for sportspersons battling stress and workplace challenges