Tragedy Beyond the Mat: The Silent Struggle of Jujitsu Star Rohini Kalam

A Rising Star’s Sudden End

In an unfortunate event, the police found the body of Dewas-based Madhya Pradesh jujitsu athlete Rohini Kalam, who is known for representing India at the Asian Games, at her residence. Based on the initial reports, the woman took her own life, and the news has stirred up the entire sporting family.

From Podiums to Private Pain

Rohini started her journey in the world of sports in 2007 and by 2015 she was already a professional jujitsu athlete. Among other medals, she won a bronze medal at the Thailand Open Grand Prix 2022 and at the Asian Jujitsu Championship 2024. Her career was shining bright with potential, but the truth is that behind the trophies was a struggle that only a handful knew.

Work Stress: The Hidden Opponent

It appears that Rohini had recently taken up a post as a martial arts instructor at a private school, and according to her family she was stressed from her work. Her sister said that she would frequently observe her to be in a state of anxiety and that she was visibly upset because of the workplace issues. That ever-increasing pressure may have affected her mental health in a way that it would be difficult for any of her accomplishments to have the upper hand.

Beyond Sport: Dreams Unfulfilled

Rohini’s family disclosed that she chose to focus on her dream of becoming an IPS officer instead of getting married. She also put in continuous efforts to win the Vikram Award for two years in a row but she had not been selected. To make matters worse, a few months ago she had an operation for a lump in her stomach and had been sick since. These challenges reveal that she was a fighter yet she was weighed down by the stress and unfulfilled hopes.

The Bigger Picture: Mental Health in Athletics

The sad demise of Rohini serves as an eye-opener to the consequences that emotional and professional stress bring to athletes. The endurance of their bodies is praised, but still, great care is not given to their mental health. Her story is a beacon that highlights the urgent and essential provision of mental-health care, counseling, and support systems in sports institutions, and workplaces as well.

A Call to Action

While we celebrate Rohini’s achievements and lament her death, her experience should be the reason for change. The time has come when every athlete must be given not only the training and recognition but also the compassionate understanding and care that relate to their emotional sphere. The real power is not in the medals won rather, it is in the safeguarding of mental health .