New cadet at IMA collapses during training, dies
Aug 17, 2026, 08.35 PM IST
Dehradun: A 21-year-old officer cadet undergoing training at Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun died days after collapsing during a routine running exercise, with medical reports pointing to multiple organ failure as the cause of death.
Cadet Nishant Dhankar was a resident of Jhajjar, Haryana, and had enrolled at the academy on July 10 as a regular entry cadet.
“On Aug 9, he was participating in a running exercise during which he collapsed. As per IMA protocol, he was immediately rushed to the Military Hospital in Dehradun in a critical condition,” said an Army officer, on the condition of anonymity.
As Dhankar’s health deteriorated, he was shifted to the Army Hospital Research & Referral (R&R), New Delhi, for advanced care. “Unfortunately, he succumbed on Saturday. Doctors cited multiple organ failure as the cause of death, which was also reflected in his medical examination reports,” the officer added.
Dhankar’s mortal remains were subsequently taken to his hometown in Jhajjar, where his family performed the last rites on Sunday. Several senior Army officers and local dignitaries were in attendance to pay their final respects.
Official responses from IMA were unavailable, as outreach to the academy’s Public Relations Officer went unanswered.
Cadet Nishant Dhankar was a resident of Jhajjar, Haryana, and had enrolled at the academy on July 10 as a regular entry cadet.
“On Aug 9, he was participating in a running exercise during which he collapsed. As per IMA protocol, he was immediately rushed to the Military Hospital in Dehradun in a critical condition,” said an Army officer, on the condition of anonymity.
As Dhankar’s health deteriorated, he was shifted to the Army Hospital Research & Referral (R&R), New Delhi, for advanced care. “Unfortunately, he succumbed on Saturday. Doctors cited multiple organ failure as the cause of death, which was also reflected in his medical examination reports,” the officer added.
Dhankar’s mortal remains were subsequently taken to his hometown in Jhajjar, where his family performed the last rites on Sunday. Several senior Army officers and local dignitaries were in attendance to pay their final respects.
Official responses from IMA were unavailable, as outreach to the academy’s Public Relations Officer went unanswered.