Two SAI Trainees Found Dead at Hostel in Kerala’s Kollam, Probe Underway

Two teenage trainees were found dead at a hostel run by the Sports Authority of India in Kollam district of Kerala on Thursday morning, triggering shock and concern within the sporting community. The incident came to light after the girls failed to report for their scheduled training session.

The deceased have been identified as Sandra, aged 17, a resident of Kozhikode, and Vyshnavi, aged 15, from Thiruvananthapuram. Both were enrolled as trainees at the SAI hostel in Kollam and were pursuing their academic studies alongside professional sports training.

According to preliminary information, hostel authorities became concerned at around 5 am when the two trainees did not turn up for their routine morning practice. Staff members attempted to contact them multiple times but received no response. Following standard protocol, hostel officials proceeded to check the room where Sandra was staying. When there was no reply, the door was forced open.

Inside the room, authorities found both girls hanging from ceiling fans. The incident was immediately reported to the police, who arrived at the scene and began initial inquiries. Senior officials confirmed that fellow trainees had last seen the two together late on Wednesday night.

Police sources stated that Sandra was an athletics trainee and a Class 12 student, while Vyshnavi was undergoing kabaddi training and studying in Class 10. Vyshnavi usually stayed in a different room within the hostel but had chosen to spend the night in Sandra’s room on Wednesday, a detail that is now part of the investigation.

No suicide note was recovered from the room, and investigators have said that the circumstances leading to the deaths are not yet clear. Police have registered a case and are examining all possible angles, including personal, academic, and training-related factors. Statements from hostel staff, fellow trainees, and family members are expected to be recorded as part of the probe.

Post-mortem examinations are being conducted to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities have confirmed that the bodies will be handed over to the families once the procedures are completed.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the mental well-being and support systems available to young athletes living away from home in training hostels. While officials have urged against speculation until the investigation is complete, the deaths have sparked conversations around the pressures faced by adolescent sportspersons balancing academics and competitive training.

Officials from the Sports Authority of India have been informed of the incident, and further internal reviews are expected. The police have stated that more details will emerge once forensic reports and witness statements are analysed.

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