Malayali student seriously injured during CBSE taekwondo competition; airlifted to hospital in Kochi

KOCHI: A Malayali student was seriously injured during a CBSE taekwondo competition held in Maharashtra. The student, identified as Faiz Abdul Jalal from Thrissur, was airlifted from Maharashtra to a hospital in Kochi for treatment. His family has alleged that both the opponent and the referee failed to follow the prescribed rules.

The CBSE South Zone taekwondo competition, featuring students from Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra, was held in Varora, Maharashtra, last Saturday. Faiz collapsed after being struck by a kick to the head. He was initially admitted to a hospital in Varora. As his condition worsened, he was later airlifted to a hospital in Kochi. He is currently undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU).

According to Faiz’s family, the opponent used kicks that are not permitted under taekwondo rules. The opponent initially kicked Faiz in the groin, following which he told the referee that he was experiencing health problems. The opponent then allegedly kicked him in the head, causing him to collapse. The family alleges that the referee did not stop the match despite the rule violation.

Medical examinations found a blood clot between Faiz’s skull and brain, which was removed through surgery. He is currently receiving treatment with ventilator support. His family said he has now overcome the critical stage. Faiz was taken to the competition by school authorities. The family has also alleged that they were not informed about the injury immediately. They have reportedly filed complaints against the referee and the school authorities.