Kabaddi player Brijesh Solanki, 22, dies of rabies weeks after saving puppy
The kabaddi community is mourning the loss of Brijesh Solanki, a 22-year-old state-level player and Pro Kabaddi League hopeful, who died of rabies in Uttar Pradesh. His death has left fans shocked, with many talking about how a simple act of kindness turned into a tragedy.
Solanki died on Sunday, July 1, weeks after rescuing a stray puppy from a drain. The dog bit him lightly during the rescue, but Brijesh didn’t take the rabies vaccine. Sadly, he began showing symptoms only a few days before he passed away.
According to his coach and family, Brijesh didn’t take the bite seriously. He thought the pain in his arm was from a kabaddi injury. Even when he started feeling numbness and unease during training on June 26, he didn’t think it was anything dangerous.
Bulandshahr UP: State-level Kabaddi player Brajesh Solanki dies of rabies after dog bite. Gold medalist didn’t get vaccinated. Viral video shows him behaving like a dog before death.
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) July 2, 2025
pic.twitter.com/S59Z9jPYg3
Later, his condition got worse. He was scared of water and became restless — a known symptom of rabies. His brother, Sandeep Kumar, said they rushed him to several government hospitals but didn’t get proper help. It was only in a Noida hospital that doctors confirmed it was rabies.
He passed away on the way to a faith healer in Mathura.
Family speaks out after his deathBrijesh’s brother said he was the only earning member of the family. "We had no idea about rabies. He didn’t take the bite seriously. I request the government to help us now. We’ve lost everything," he told reporters.
After his death, health officials visited Farana village. They vaccinated 29 locals and started a rabies awareness drive.
Rabies is a viral infection that spreads from animals to humans, mostly through dog bites. Once symptoms start, it’s almost always fatal. The World Health Organization (WHO) says it affects the brain and nervous system, and symptoms like fear of water and hallucinations are common.
Tragic loss💔 Kabaddi player bitten by puppy he was rescuing, dies of rabies.
— Neha Gurung (@nehaGurung1692) July 2, 2025
🚨 Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh: State-Level Kabaddi player dies after allegedly being bitten by a stray dog.
Deceased Kabaddi Player Brijesh Solanki's elder brother, Sandeep says, "He went to practice… pic.twitter.com/rc3I57Sl4o
There are two types, furious rabies and paralytic rabies. Both lead to death if untreated. That’s why vaccination is so important.
Health experts say that dog vaccination, public awareness, and quick medical attention are the best ways to stop rabies. Culling stray dogs doesn’t work. Instead, knowing how to avoid bites and what to do after one can save lives.