The body of a 27-year-old Tiruvallur volleyball player who died in Nepal during a match on December 21 was returned to his hometown and buried. Several people attended his funeral, including a minister and MLAs.
However questions have been raised as the Minister in charge of Sports department was not present at the funeral.
Akash, a resident of Kaivandur village near Tiruvallur, was a national-level volleyball player. He was always interested in sports, and after studying engineering, he became a physical education teacher in Ambattur because of his passion for volleyball.
Akash traveled to Nepal to compete in a match at the Rangasala stadium in Pokhara, where he suddenly vomited blood and fainted while resting after the game. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
On hearing the news, over 50 people from Kaivandur village gathered in front of the Collectorate and demanded an investigation into Akash’s death.
With the help of the External Affairs Ministry and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Akash’s body was brought to India from Nepal and then taken to his hometown. Thousands of people, including several sportsmen, attended Akash’s funeral, which was also attended by Milk and Dairy Development Minister SM Nasar, Health Minister Ma Subramanian, Minister of Minorities Welfare Masthan, and many MLAs.
Several attendees at the funeral and on social media, however, questioned the absence of Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanithi, whose ministry was in charge of the incident.
Political commentator Savukku Shankar revealed in a tweet that Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanithi and his friends were on a New Year’s vacation to a hill station, instead of attending the funeral of volleyball player Akash. He also stated that, for privacy reasons, he could not reveal more information about who was present alongside clown prince Udhayanidhi for the new year trip to the hill station.
Sources : New Sports Minister takes a break from his “tedious official” schedule. Udhayanidhi Stalin goes incommunicado for 2 days. He was on a junket to a hill station with his coteries. More details in this regard are withheld for privacy reasons.
Akash, a 27 year 1/3
— Savukku Shankar (@Veera284) January 1, 2023
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