Kabaddi Champion Tragically Dies of Rabies After Rescue Puppy Bite
Date: July 4, 2025
In a heartbreaking turn of events, former professional kabaddi player Raghav Sharma, aged 28, succumbed to rabies on Friday following a dog bite he received three weeks ago. The bite occurred while Raghav was attempting to rescue an abandoned puppy in his hometown, Hisar, Haryana, highlighting the cruel irony of his act of kindness.
🐾 Compassion Turns Fatal
Raghav, a beloved figure in regional kabaddi circuits, was known for his athleticism and gentle disposition. On June 13, he discovered a stray puppy near his home in Hisar. As Raghav cradled the frightened pup, it bit him on the calf. The animal, covered in matted fur and seeming distressed, was evidently a stray.
Believing the puppy was unvaccinated but still treatable, he cleaned the wound and applied antiseptic at home. Despite minor bleeding, he did not seek immediate medical care, assuming the bite was superficial and manageable.
Onset of Symptoms
In the days that followed, Raghav began to display signs of infection. By June 20, he started experiencing fever, headaches, and general malaise. His family took him to a nursing home in Hisar, where doctors treated him for cellulitis and prescribed antibiotics.
However, his condition deteriorated dramatically over the next week. He became restless, exhibiting episodes of agitation and confusion. Soon after, he began having difficulty swallowing liquids and developed hydrophobia—classic symptoms of rabies infection.
🔬 Late Diagnosis
By June 28, Raghav was admitted to a government hospital in Hisar under suspicion of rabies. Lab tests confirmed the worst: the virus had already reached an advanced stage. Doctors explained to the family that once symptoms manifest, rabies is virtually untreatable and nearly always fatal.
Despite supportive care—sedation, intravenous fluids, isolation—the disease progressed rapidly. On the morning of July 4, Raghav passed away quietly under medical supervision, surrounded by his grieving family.
⚠️ Rabies—A Preventable Tragedy
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly dogs. Globally, thousands of people die annually from rabies, yet nearly all cases in humans are preventable through prompt medical attention and vaccination after an animal bite.
Medical experts stress the critical importance of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes thorough wound cleaning, the administration of rabies immunoglobulin, and a series of vaccinations. This treatment—if started immediately after a potential rabies exposure—can prevent onset of the disease.
Community Impact and Response
Raghav’s death has sent shockwaves through the kabaddi and local communities in Haryana. Colleagues, coaches, and younger players are mourning the loss of a vibrant athlete whose compassion and humility left a lasting impression.
Local youth clubs have started organizing awareness drives, urging people to treat any dog bite as a serious medical emergency. “If only Raghav had sought treatment right away,” lamented one teammate, “we might have lost a match, but not a life.”
The municipal animal welfare department in Hisar has also stepped up vaccination drives for stray dogs. Officials aim to vaccinate thousands in the coming weeks and bolster public education on safe handling of animals.
A Life Remembered
Raghav Sharma, a former centre in the Haryana state kabaddi team, brought smiles to teammates and fans alike. Known for his flair and agility on the court, he also represented the district in several national-level tournaments. Off the mat, he volunteered regularly at local youth camps and organized charity matches to support underprivileged children.
His final act of kindness—reaching out to help a vulnerable animal—stands as a poignant testament to his character. Tragically, it was this very compassion that claimed his life.
As the kabaddi world mourns, Raghav’s story reinforces a heartbreaking message: in regions where rabies is endemic, even a routine act of goodwill can turn fatal when combined with a virus that is fully preventable. His death is a wake-up call: time is critical in responding to animal bites, and public education and dog vaccination remain essential life-saving measures.
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