MANDYA: A national-level cyclist died while he was swimming in a canal and drowned, at Akkihebbal in K R Pet taluk on Saturday. The deceased Alharsh (17) was a resident of Puducherry.
He had come to participate in a national-level Cycle Polo tournament, organised by the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department. Cycling athletes from across the state and other states are participating in the event.
Alharsh had gone to swim in a canal nearby in Akkihehebbalu, where the sports event was organised. However, he suddenly he drowned and died. The fire brigade personnel fished out the dead body from the canal after a search operation.
Locals claimed that the organisers have not made proper arrangements for the participants who have come from across the state. As a result, Alharsh went to the canal for a swim, they said.
A case has been registered in K R Pet rural police station in this regard.