Two suicide tragedies strike West Bengal and Odisha post India’s ODI World Cup final loss

Two young individuals allegedly took their own lives in West Bengal’s Bankura and Odisha’s Jajpur after India’s loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final which was played in Ahmedabad on November 19. The emotional toll of the defeat seems to have pushed these individuals to extreme measures, shedding light on the importance of mental health awareness and support.

In Bankura, 23-year-old Rahul Lohar was found dead near a cinema hall, having hung himself in his room following India’s six-wicket loss to Australia in Ahmedabad. Lohar’s brother-in-law revealed that he was heartbroken by the result, emphasising the devastating impact that such sports outcomes can have on individuals.

Similarly, in Jajpur, Odisha, another 23-year-old, Dev Ranjan Das, was discovered hanging from the terrace of his house shortly after the match. Das had been undergoing treatment for “emotional disorder syndrome,” according to his uncle. The family shared that after India’s defeat, Das left home in despair, prompting concerns about the link between sports-related disappointments and mental health struggles.

Awareness should be increased on mental health

These tragic incidents highlight the need for increased awareness about mental health and the potential impact of sports outcomes on individuals, especially the youth. The pressure associated with sports events, coupled with existing emotional challenges, underscores the importance of providing support systems for those who may be vulnerable.

As authorities await autopsy reports and investigate these cases as unnatural deaths, it is a sombre reminder that mental health should be prioritised, and resources for support and intervention should be accessible to prevent such distressing outcomes in the future. The sporting community and society at large must work together to foster an environment that promotes mental well-being and resilience in the face of disappointments.

It was understandable that many hearts were broken after India‘s shocking loss in the final but one should understand that winning or losing is a part of the game.