A 14-year-old student died after being struck on the head by a hockey ball during a practice session at a private school in North Goa on Thursday morning, police said. Authorities described the incident as accidental and said a preliminary inquiry is underway into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The victim was identified as Ruesha Karshar, who was participating in a training session on the school grounds at around 10 a.m. Officials said it was the final day of classes before the start of the summer vacation. The sudden incident has left students, staff, and local residents in shock.

According to police, a practice hockey match involving mixed teams of boys and girls was taking place when the accident occurred. During the game, a penalty corner was awarded against the defending side. As Ruesha moved forward to defend the attempt, the ball reportedly rose from a flicked strike and hit her directly on the head.

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School staff and others present are understood to have rushed to assist the student immediately after the impact. Emergency efforts were made following the injury, but she later succumbed. Police have not publicly disclosed further medical details, and officials continue to gather statements from witnesses and school authorities.

Authorities said the girl’s family originally belongs to Odisha and has been living in Goa for several years. Police officers indicated that early findings point to a tragic sporting accident rather than foul play. Standard legal procedures, including documentation and review of the incident, are expected to continue.

The incident has renewed attention on safety measures during school sports activities, particularly in high-speed games such as hockey. Experts often recommend the use of proper protective equipment, trained supervision, and strict safety protocols during practice sessions. The death of the teenager has prompted grief in the local community and raised questions about how such accidents can be prevented in the future.

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