A former award-winning captain of the National Kabaddi Team fell into the Ganga River on 23 July, in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The incident promoted a rapid response, with rescuers quickly launching a motorboat to assist him.
Deepak Hooda, the ex-captain of the Indian Kabaddi team, an Asian gold medallist, and an Arjun award recipient, was carried away by the powerful currents of the Ganga.
The occurrence caused alarm among the residents and visitors in bustling holy town during the Kanwar Yatra season.
A video captured the moment when a swift boat from the disaster response team successfully retrieved Mr. Hooda from the turbulent waters. Officials reported that the rescue operation was executed effectively, despite the challenging conditions and strong currents.
Mr. Hooda has achieved numerous victories for India in various international competitions. His spouse, Sweety Boora, is an international boxer who has also received the Arjun Award.
Authorities indicated that during the kanwar Yatra, it is not uncommon for kanwariyas to be swept away in the Ganga River. Consequently, the Haridwar police have stationed multiple rescue teams at various ghats.
This year, the state disaster response force has successfully rescued over 150 kanwariyas from potential drowning in the Ganga.
During the 2024 Kanwar Yatra, approximately 250 kanwariyas were saved by the SDRF.
