A CHAMPION martial artist tragically died after a horror collapse in the ring.
Mohit Sharma, 21, was fighting in the second round of a university wushu tournament on Monday in India.
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He represented Rajasthan University in the 85kg weight category of the All India Inter-University Wushu Championship.
Sharma claimed the first round before disaster struck in the second round.
Both Sharma and his opponent fell off the crash mats before clambering back up to resume their contest.
However, as the young star in red attempted to continue, he went to charge but suddenly fell forwards on the canvas during the bout at Chandigarh University in Mohali.
People immediately rushed to provide assistance and medics were called.
Sharma, though, could not be revived after a reported suspected heart attack.
According to the Indian Express, he was taken to the on-site medical centre then transported to a district hospital.
But the young boxer sadly passed away as he was declared dead on arrival at Kharar Government hospital on Monday evening, it was later confirmed.
The shocking incident left the boxing community heartbroken.
Sharma’s dad Ashok – who runs a small grocery shop in Jaipur – paid an emotional tribute to his son, who left home six years ago to pursue his sporting dream.
Ashok told the Indian Express: “Mohit was passionate about wushu and other martial arts and that was the reason he made me shift to Jaipur so that he could train at a local college.
“It was tough for me as I opened the shop to support Mohit and my family including my wife Sunita and daughters, Nisha and Ritika back at the village.
“When Mohit was selected for the Rajasthan University team, he was excited and told us that he would win a medal and make Rajasthan proud.
“With his loss, we have lost everything including our dreams to see him win medals.”
Mohit’s promising career saw him win several national and state-level titles as he specialised in wushu after spells in karate and kickboxing.
FRIEND’S HEARTACHE
He even competed at an international event in Thailand before transitioning to wushu.
Sharma’s friend and fellow trainer Rajat Gupta added: “Mohit was passionate about martial arts and would rarely miss any training day.
“He would come for practice with us at the stadium ground and when I met him last week, he was excited about playing in the All India Inter University meet in Chandigarh University.
“Each of his friends and fellow trainees are shocked over this devastating news.”
And Rajasthan University wushu team head coach Heera Chaudhary said: “Mohit had won the university trials earlier and was part of our team here.
“He won the first round but then collapsed suddenly. The doctors gave him CPR though we could not see any automated external defibrillator at the venue.
“Later we took him to a local hospital before taking him to Kharar government hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
“It’s an unfortunate event and I urge the Rajasthan government to help the family and give a job to the next of kin.”
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