India Lost Officer Cadet Kumbhar Atharv Sambhaji at OTA Gaya During Training Exercise
The Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Gaya was struck by tragedy when Officer Cadet Kumbhar Atharv Sambhaji, a promising trainee from Maharashtra, lost his life during a routine training exercise. The 25-year-old cadet from Sangli district was part of the 64th Short Service Commission (Technical) Course (Men) and was on the verge of achieving his dream of becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Army.
His untimely death has left the entire military training community and his hometown in mourning, reminding us of the unseen sacrifices made during military preparation.
A Dedicated Cadet with a Dream
Born into an agricultural family in Palus village, Sangli, Atharv was raised with strong values of discipline and hard work. His father, a farmer who also managed a small agricultural shop, supported Atharv’s academic and career aspirations. Despite securing a stable IT job in Pune’s Hinjawadi area, Atharv never lost sight of his childhood dream—to don the olive green uniform.
Balancing his full-time job, Atharv trained rigorously for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination. His perseverance paid off when he cleared the exam and joined OTA Gaya in March 2025.
“He was among our most promising trainees and showed excellent physical and mental resilience,”
— Lt Gen SS Dahiya, Commandant, OTA Gaya
The Tragic Incident
The incident occurred during a strenuous 20-kilometer cross-country battle back run, part of a routine endurance training session in full battle gear. As Atharv neared the finish line, he collapsed unexpectedly. Despite swift medical aid and being rushed to Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, he was declared dead on arrival.
Preliminary reports suggest cardiac arrest possibly due to heart blockage as the cause, although the final postmortem report is awaited.
Legal procedures were initiated under SHO Krishna Kumar at Magadh Medical Police Station. His body was first taken to Patna, then airlifted to Pune, and finally brought home to Sangli for the last rites on July 8, 2025.
A Legacy of Courage
Atharv’s name echoes the valor of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, and like his namesake, he too stood tall in the face of adversity. Friends and family remember him as resilient, selfless, and deeply patriotic.
“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,”
— Family member
The Risks of Military Training
Military academies like OTA Gaya, established in 2011, are known for their rigorous training regimens. The academy trains over 1,500 cadets annually, preparing them for both technical and leadership roles. But behind the disciplined drills lies a reality of high-risk physical and mental challenges.
A recent global study cited by SSBCrackExams states an average of 1.2 training fatalities per 10,000 hours, indicating the demanding nature of such institutions.
A Lasting Legacy
Officer Cadet Atharv Sambhaji’s journey—from a small village in Maharashtra to the challenging grounds of OTA Gaya—was one of determination, grit, and sacrifice. As India salutes his memory, his story will continue to inspire generations of young aspirants to serve with pride, honor, and resilience.
“We lost one of the brightest cadets in an unfortunate manner.”
— Lt Gen SS Dahiya
84 comments
Every trainee has their own ambitions. In life as a gentleman cadets firstly they must take their own precautions wherever they move on their contests. The officer’s academy may conducted numerous contests in such a way in future but religiously the participants shouldn’t not encourage themselves beyond their ability which could cause dangerous to their life. Training is not a final battle of a soldier"s. Training periods is for molding their back bearing of their shape and drill. Cross-country is motivational contests the winners may be treated as anyone of them in that whole contestants so we should not take it as a ego to overcome them. The days will determine us one day the Chace could be ours one day to take the primary position of the tournament. Cadets should be more careful in future. Soldiers are produced by the institutions to protect our country in a highly motivated manner.
The loss of a Cadet is a very big loss to their parents as well as the Army has lost a good Training Cadet.
RIP
Jai Hind!
A medical team should accompany trainees always , atmosphere ( climate) of the place should be kept in mind while physical tranning🙏🏻
A medical team should accompany trainees always , atmosphere ( climate) of the place should be kept in mind while physical tranning🙏🏻
This 20 Kms cross-country battle back run should be in 2 parts with a break of 5 minutes . A grand Salute to the Sacrifice of our brave Cadet Atharav.
Very sad…… Salute the Brave Soldier….Jai Hind