Two Minor Athletes Found Hanging at Sports Authority of India Hostel in Kerala

Two teenage sports trainees were found dead inside a Sports Authority of India hostel in Kerala's Kollam district early Thursday morning, triggering shock and grief within the sporting community.

The girls were discovered hanging inside their hostel room, prompting an immediate police investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Hostel staff discover bodies after morning roll call

The incident came to light around 5 am when fellow hostel inmates noticed that the two girls had not reported for the scheduled morning training session. After repeated knocks on the room door went unanswered, hostel authorities forced the door open and found both girls hanging from ceiling fans, police said.

The deceased were identified as Sandra, 17, from Kozhikode district, and Vyshnavi, 15, from Thiruvananthapuram district.

Victims were national-level sports trainees

According to police, Sandra was an athletics trainee enrolled in Plus Two, while Vyshnavi was a kabaddi player studying in Class 10. Both were staying at the Sports Authority of India hostel as part of their training programme.

Police said Vyshnavi was officially allotted a different room but had spent Wednesday night in Sandra's room. Other hostel inmates had seen both girls earlier in the morning, police added.

Police launch probe, no suicide note found

Kollam East police have launched a probe into the incident. The reason for the deaths is yet to be ascertained, and no suicide note has been recovered from the room, police officials said.

Investigators will record statements from other sportspersons staying at the hostel, their trainers, and family members as part of the inquiry, an official said.

Post-mortem to determine cause of death

Police said the bodies would be handed over to relatives after post-mortem examinations are completed. Further details are expected once forensic reports and witness statements are analysed.

The tragic incident has raised concerns over the mental health and well-being of young athletes living away from home under competitive pressure, as authorities continue to investigate what led to the deaths.