Gayaji: A 25-year-old cadet from Maharashtra’s Sangli district, Atharva Sambhaji Kumbhar, collapsed and died during a cross-country training event at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Gayaji on Sunday morning. The incident occurred during a physically demanding “battle back run” a 20-kilometre endurance drill carried out with full gear.
Kumbhar, who had joined the academy in March after quitting his job at an IT company in Pune’s Hinjawadi area, was reportedly nearing the finish line when he collapsed. He was immediately taken to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Confirming the incident, OTA Gayaji Commandant Lt Gen S.S. Dahiya said, “It is an extremely unfortunate and shocking loss. Cadet Kumbhar was among our most promising trainees and showed excellent physical and mental resilience during his time here. We are deeply saddened by his untimely demise and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Lt Gen Dahiya also stated that a formal inquiry is underway to determine the cause of death. “At this stage, it would be premature to speculate. We are committed to the safety and training of every cadet. Currently, over 400 cadets are undergoing training at the academy,” he added.
Police from the Magadh Medical outpost confirmed that a postmortem examination was conducted to establish the exact cause of death. SHO Krishna Kumar said further details would be shared once the investigation progresses.
According to academy officials, the battle back run is part of advanced military training designed to test endurance, stamina, and mental toughness. “He was just a few hundred metres from the end of the run when the incident took place,” said a senior OTA officer on condition of anonymity.
Kumbhar’s grieving family recalled his passion for serving the country. “He had always dreamed of becoming an Army officer. Though he had a stable career in the IT industry, he chose to follow his heart and join the armed forces,” said a family member.
OTA Gayaji, army cadet death, Maharashtra news, military training accidentHis body is scheduled to arrive at Pune airport and will be taken to his native village in Sangli district for final rites on Tuesday.
