‘Two died before my eyes’: Chilling eyewitness account opens debate on stampede tragedy
Bengaluru: As Karnataka celebrated Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first IPL victory in 18 years, a joyous occasion turned into tragedy when a stampede broke out at the celebratory event organised at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, claiming at least 11 lives and leaving several injured.
Thousands of fans had gathered at the venue to cheer the team, but overcrowding and poor crowd management led to a deadly rush. Among the victims were fans from both Karnataka and other states.
Speaking to Vartha Bharati, Chetan from Mysuru, who survived the incident, said, “Two people died right in front of me. Women were in great distress. Someone stepped over my shoulder – it felt like a near-death experience. There was no police or stadium staff to help us.”
Chinmay from Nanjangud said the incident occurred around 3:30 pm. “Only four gates were open for thousands. Many couldn’t even enter the stadium and were crushed outside. Ambulances took over two hours to arrive,” he added.
The grandfather of Divyanshi, a 13-year-old girl who died in the stampede, said the family had just reached the venue when they were informed to rush to Bowring Hospital – “We were told Dimple didn’t make it,” he said, devastated.
Many of the injured were women. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos near Gates 18 and 19, with barricades trampled and a young woman bleeding from her nose shouting for help.
The majority of the deceased were from economically weaker sections. Several families are yet to trace their loved ones. Fans are demanding government jobs for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured.
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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
