Dewas, Madhya Pradesh | October 27, 2025: In a tragic turn of events, Indian Jiu-Jitsu athlete Rohini Kalam was found dead at her residence in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday evening. She was 35.
According to police reports, preliminary investigations suggest the death of Rohini Kalam may have been a suicide. No note was recovered from the scene. The body was discovered by her sister, while other family members were away at the time.
Rohini Kalam, a bronze medalist at the 8th Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi, was one of India’s leading martial arts talents. Apart from her sporting accolades, she served as General Secretary of the Jiu-Jitsu Association of Madhya Pradesh and Women’s Athlete Commissioner of the Jiu-Jitsu Association of India. She also worked as a martial arts coach at a private school in Ashta.
Her family has alleged that Rohini had been facing mental and emotional distress due to harassment at her workplace. “She often spoke about being humiliated and pressured by the school’s management,” a family member claimed. Her father added that she had recently undergone surgery and was still recovering when she returned to work.
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Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities are examining both professional and personal aspects of her life to determine the cause.
Rohini, an IPS aspirant and a candidate for Madhya Pradesh’s Vikram Award, was celebrated for her discipline, humility, and dedication to empowering young women through martial arts. Her sudden demise has sent shockwaves across India’s sporting community, with athletes and coaches calling for a deeper inquiry into workplace mental-health challenges faced by sportspersons.
