PATIALA: A portion of the lightweight false ceiling inside a wrestling hall at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala caved in on Saturday during a special Independence Day function organised to honour sportspersons, triggering panic among those present.According to sources, three students were injured after the ceiling suddenly gave way and debris fell into the hall, plunging part of the venue into darkness and sending people scrambling for safety amid the dust and confusion.NSNIS authorities maintained that the injuries were minor and that first aid was provided. Director Sumit Miglani confirmed the incident, saying a portion of the “lightweight false ceiling beneath the roof” fell during the cultural event. “A few persons sustained minor injuries and were provided immediate first aid and necessary medical attention. No one sustained any major injury, and all concerned persons are safe and stable,” he said.As a precautionary measure, the affected area was immediately cordoned off and access restricted. Miglani said repair work on the damaged portion had been initiated and an inquiry ordered into the incident. A technical inspection would also be carried out to determine the cause of the collapse and identify further safety measures, he added.Media personnel were kept out of the campus in the aftermath, deepening questions over transparency at the premier institute.Miglani said the situation was “fully under control” and that normal activities at the institute were continuing without disruption. “The safety and well-being of athletes, trainees, staff and visitors at NIS remain the institution’s highest priority,” he said, adding that the authorities would ensure all necessary corrective and preventive measures were taken.Station House Officer, Civil Lines Patiala police station, said that besides lacking any police complaint, they have not received any MLR or information from any govt and private hospital related to any injury at NIS.NSNIS, housed in the erstwhile palace of the Maharaja of Patiala, is regarded as one of the country’s premier sports training institutes and has produced generations of national coaches and athletes. The incident renewed concerns over the upkeep of ageing infrastructure at govt-run sports facilities, particularly ahead of high-profile national events. A formal report on the cause of the collapse is awaited.
