Latest news with #SahilKumar
CBC
28-05-2025
- General
- CBC
He called his parents to say hello from the GO train. Then this international student disappeared
Social Sharing Nearly two weeks ago, after he left the GO train station in Hamilton, Sahil Kumar called his parents as he made his way to Toronto. He told his mom he was doing fine, missed her cooking, and would call again soon. That was the last time anyone heard from him. The 22-year-old international student, from the north Indian state of Haryana, had only been in Canada for three weeks when he vanished. On May 16, he left downtown Hamilton, where he shared a home with other Indian students, and started his commute to get to class at a Humber College building near Yonge and Bloor streets. Surveillance footage later placed him near Yonge and Dundas just after 1 p.m. — walking with a backpack, wearing a white collared shirt and a black jacket. Then he disappeared. Kumar's family said he was excited about his future in Canada and had been in weekly contact since arriving in late April. The last WhatsApp call between him and his parents was just minutes before he exited Union Station in Toronto. "He told us not to worry, that he was settling in well, and would start working soon," his cousin Amit Singh, who lives in the same village of Nandgao in Haryana, told CBC Hamilton. That call ended at 11:49 a.m. According to police, his phone powered off at 1:31 p.m. Four days later, Hamilton police issued a missing persons alert for Kumar. It noted that he was unfamiliar with the area, had left his passport and laptop at home, and might have been interested in visiting Toronto's waterfront based on online activity. The investigation is now being led by Toronto police. On May 26, they released a video they believe shows Kumar around 1 p.m. on May 16 near Yonge and Dundas, captured by a security camera. Kumar's family are worried that the most critical hours for searching for Kumar were lost in those early days after his disappearance. "We only learned on May 22 that the case was being transferred to Toronto police," Singh said. "That was six days after he went missing. He was last seen in Toronto. Why did it take so long?" A delay the family can't understand The family also wonders why police can't access more security cameras. "We kept asking police if they could check more footage, but were told it's difficult unless the case is converted to criminal," Singh said. "We feel helpless." According to the family, officers told them privacy laws can make it harder to access commercial or private CCTV footage beyond initial public spaces. They believe reclassifying the case as a criminal investigation would expedite that access. CBC Hamilton asked Toronto police to comment on the designation of the case and on the access police have to CCTV footage. Toronto police said the investigation is ongoing but that releasing details about it could "compromise the investigation or infringe on the privacy of those involved," the service said in an email. "We are concerned for Kumar's safety, and we are urging anyone who was in the area of Yonge Street and Dundas Street West around 1:30 p.m. that day to review the video and photos," said an email from media relations officer Stephanie Sayer. "At this time, there is no evidence to suggest foul play. Officers continue to follow up on all leads and new information as it comes in." CBC Hamilton also asked Hamilton police for comment on the timeline of the search, including when it may have been transferred to Toronto. It did not receive a response. Limits of missing persons investigations Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, who helped create Ontario's Missing Persons Act, which came into effect in 2019, said the legislation was intended to give police more tools to investigate when someone vanishes without evidence of a crime connected to the case. "Before this law, police couldn't access even basic phone or banking records unless a crime was suspected," she said. "This legislation was designed to address that." But Fife said the act does not currently include language around access to private security footage. That exclusion was due to concerns related to privacy, she said. But she understand that international students are particularly "vulnerable" in Canada, she added. "That should factor into how we respond," Fife told CBC News this week. No news means no peace for the family Back in Haryana, Kumar's mother has stopped eating due to the stress of his disappearance. His younger brother, who encouraged Kumar to study in Canada, now blames himself, the cousin said. The village where they live has become quiet, suspended in the absence of news, the family said. "Sahil was not someone who wandered randomly," Singh said. "He was responsible, thoughtful, always looking out for the family. We just want to know where he is. We want someone to take this seriously." Singh said the family gave power of attorney to the Indian Consulate in Toronto to receive updates on Kumar's case. But days after formal authorization, the family says the consulate called Kumar's father simply to ask for information — not to offer any. "They should be helping us get answers," Singh said. "But they are asking us what the update is." The Consulate General of India in Toronto did not respond to a request for comment. Despite the frustrations, Kumar's father Harish Kumar remains hopeful.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Time of India
Indian student goes missing in Canada days after arriving the country
Sahil Kumar, a 23-year-old Indian student from Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, has been reported missing in Canada just days after reaching the country to begin his studies at Humber College . According to the Hamilton Police , Sahil was last seen on May 16 at around 12:50 p.m. when he exited Union Station in Toronto. His mobile phone has been switched off since 1:31 p.m. that day. He had left behind his passport and laptop at his home in Hamilton. Authorities have asked the Indian community in Canada to check local Gurdwaras to see if Sahil has taken shelter there. Police said he is not familiar with the area and may have lost his way. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never Put Eggs In The Refrigerator. Here's Why... Car Novels Undo Investigators shared that his online activity showed interest in visiting the Toronto waterfront. They are working with Metrolinx, local hospitals, Toronto Police , and Humber College as part of the ongoing search. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) "There is no evidence to suggest Kumar was in any physical or mental distress at the time of his disappearance," said the police. Live Events — HamiltonPolice (@HamiltonPolice) His family has confirmed that he was living in Hamilton with a fellow villager from Dadri. Sahil's father is a retired Army personnel. 'Police are concerned since he has been in contact with family or friends. If seen, call 9055408549,' read a post by the Hamilton Police. The investigation is still underway.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
Indian student Sahil Kumar missing in Canada, mobile phone switched off
23-year-old Sahil Kumar, an Indian student, has gone missing in Canada, only days after he arrived in the country to study at Humber College. The Hamilton Police have asked the Indian community for help to check local Gurdwaras if Sahil has taken shelter there. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Officers said the missing person is not very familiar with the area and might have lost his way. According to reports, Sahil Kumar was last seen exiting Union Station in Toronto around 12.50 pm on May 16. His mobile phone was switched off since 1.31 pm the same day. Police said his passport and laptop were left at his home in Hamilton. His online activity indicated that he might have been interested in visiting the Toronto waterfront. Investigators are working closely with Metrolinx, hospitals, Toronto police and Humber College. They say there is no evidence to suggest Kumar was in any physical or mental distress at the time of his disappearance. 'Police are concerned since he has been in contact with family or friends. If seen, call 9055408549,' a post by the Hamilton Police read. Sahil Kumar is from Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, India. His father is a retired Army personnel. His family informed that he was living with a person who is also from the same village.
Hamilton Spectator
21-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Missing person: have you seen Sahil Kumar?
Hamilton police are asking the public for help finding a missing 22-year-old international student who only recently arrived in Canada. Sahil Kumar, 22, was reported missing by concerned friends on Saturday, and was last seen the day prior, May 16, around 12:50 p.m. leaving Union Station in Toronto and walking toward York Street, police said in a release. Kumar is studying at Humber College in Toronto and is not familiar with the area. Records show his PRESTO card was used at Union Station at 12:44 p.m. on May 16, police said. His cellphone has been off since 1:31 p.m. that day and his passport and laptop were left at his Hamilton residence. Police said they are working with Metrolinx, hospitals, Toronto Police Service and Humber College and are reviewing surveillance video. Nothing in the investigation suggests he was in physical or mental distress before going missing, police said. His online activity suggests he may have been intending to visit the Toronto waterfront. He may also have sought shelter at a local Gurdwaras, where police are encouraging community members to check. Anyone with information is asked to call the missing person unit at 905-540-8549. To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or .
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Bihar's new bounce
Sahil Kumar (16), is sweating it out at Patliputra Indoor Stadium, in Patna, Bihar. He wants to give it has all for the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games from May 4th to 15th at various cities in Bihar. Sahil is a SepakTakraw player, a sport that was first played in India in the 1980s, but is gaining popularity now. For the first time at the youth games, the players of SepakTakraw will compete for medals. Last month, Bihar hosted the International SepakTakraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup in Patna, with the men's team winning gold in one event for the first time. Many like Sahil, whose parents are daily wage workers, are excited about the game that promises to offer them new opportunities. Thanks to the world cup, Sahil and about 100 others play on a mat imported from Thailand, which costs around ₹40 lakh. Players aim to get the rattan or synthetic mesh ball over the net, using the hand only to release the ball, after which head, knees, chest, feet, and thighs are used to propel it. This involves agility and acrobatics. 'I have been playing this sport for the past seven years and now I see my future in this. The best part of this sport is that unlike other sports like cricket, it does not require much equipment. Everything is provided by the association (SepakTakraw Federation of India) and the Bihar government,' Sahil says. He is a feeder, who serves the ball to the striker. Out of about 600 players in Bihar, currently six play at the international level. Bihar is now placed second at the national level, and will soon have an international academy, on the lines of what Thailand has, says Raveendran Sankaran, the director general cum CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA), an autonomous body registered in March 2023. The sport was officially introduced in Bihar in 1999, and the first international players rose in 2001. In March 2024, the sport was approved by the Department of Personal Training, so sportspeople who represent India or Bihar can access government jobs through the reservation quota, without going through an examination or interview. Now, more people are choosing it as a career option. Sankaran says, 'SepakTakraw is one of our priority games as it is part of Asian Games and the probability of medal-winning prospects at this level for India and a Bihar player as part of Indian team is high.' Subhead At the Khelo India Youth Games, 18 players from Bihar will participate, out of which 15 will play in all four events: Regu (three players), Doubles (two players), Quad (four players), and Mixed (girl and boy players). Another player Aarti Kumari (16) who bagged the best player award in 22nd Junior National SepakTakraw Championship held in Assam in 2018, says, 'I have been playing this sport from 2017. I used to play this game in Coconut Park (in Kankarbagh, Patna), and was introduced to it by a friend who was a professional player.' She says her family supports her through her 4-5-hour practice session. 'I dream about playing at the international level.' She adds that every day, she practises for four to five hours at the same indoor stadium as Sahil, under the guidance of Bihar's SepakTakraw head coach Pankaj Kumar Ranjan. Her father has a sells sattu (roasted gram flour) in the morning and eggs in the evening, from a shop at Kankarbagh locality, some 75 kilometres north of Patna, the State capital. In 2023, the Bihar government launched a scheme called 'Medal Lao Nauki Pao (Bring home a medal; get a job) under which A-grade (officer cadre) jobs are given directly to sportspeople winning medals at national and international levels. In 2024 under the scheme, 71 players were given appointment letters for government jobs in various departments without them having to go through an examination and interview. Rashmi Kumari (17), another player, says there are high chances of getting a job in the police force if she plays at the national and Asia level. Subhead 'SepakTakraw is not yet well known, but new players are showing interest in it, and we are getting new admissions on a regular basis. We have players who are studying in 6th and 7th standards and have played at national level,' says Ranjan, who is also an office bearer with the All Bihar Sepak Takraw Association (ABSA). He says that in the 26th Sub Junior National SepakTakraw Championship in March last year, Bihar's sub-junior girls team won a bronze medal, while the sub-junior boys team was the national runner-up. At the 27th Junior National SepakTakraw Championship, also in March 2024, Bihar's boys' team defeated Uttar Pradesh 2-0, winning the title of National Champion. 'Earlier, states like Manipur, Maharashtra, Delhi, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh dominated the game,' Rajan says. Most of the players playing this sport are from Patna, West Champaran, Nalanda, Muzaffarpur, Katihar, and Saran. Bijay Kumar Sharma, the secretary of ABSA, says most players are from financially weaker sections of society. In the early 2000s, when SepakTakraw had just been introduced to children, he remembers, 'There were hardly any players in Bihar and we used to almost force boys to participate in the game. When the first time the Bihar team went to Delhi, it was like a fun trip for the players, because no one was serious about the game. Now, slowly and gradually, players are taking serious interest in it. Karunesh Kumar, one of the SepakTakraw players who represented Bihar at international level in 2002 as striker, says that Bihar has become an emerging State in terms of sports, particularly SepakTakraw. Karunesh, who is currently sports officer at IIT, Patna, as well as treasurer of ABSA says, 'I played the sport for eight years, but after a knee injury I had to quit it. When I started playing in 1999, there were not even 10 players. At the time Ramakant Singh, who was the only player who had played at the international level and trained me at the Ganga Devi Mahila College.' Subhead When the men's team won at the recent world cup, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya extended their congratulations to the players for winning the gold medal by defeating Japan. 'Congratulations to our contingent for displaying phenomenal sporting excellence at the SepakTakraw World Cup 2025! The contingent brings home 7 medals. The Men's Regu team created history by bringing home India's first Gold. This spectacular performance indicates a promising future for India in the global SepakTakraw arena,' Modi had said in the X post on March 26, 2025. Bobby Kumar (19), from Chhapra village, Saran District, on the national team since 2021, was a striker on the gold-medal-winning team at the world cup. Bobby is at a training camp in Goa as part of the India team for the SepakTakraw Asian Cup 2025, set to take place from May 9 to May 18, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur. Over a phone call Bobby says there were challenges when he began playing: his parents were not happy, and not many others played so the there was no eco-system for it. 'Like other children I would play gully cricket with my friends, but a senior who used to play SepakTakraw asked me to try this sport.' Bobby hopes SepakTakraw is telecast on television like cricket and other sports are. 'Cricket and its players have become famous because children continuously watch it on television, and parents want their children to become like Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. If the same thing happens with this sport, it will equally become famous.' Subhead Bihar has gone through a rough patch in terms of sports: The last world cup cricket match was held in Patna in February 1996 at Moin-ul-Haq stadium, between Kenya and Zimbabwe. It had hit the headlines when the then Chief Minister Lalu Prasad had called in his chopper to dry the pitch after rainwater stagnated on it. Sports was never a priority for the Bihar government until the BSSA came into being. After its formation, Bihar has begun to hold sports camps and hold meetings with sports associations, coaches, and district sports officials to further sports overall. Training sites have been selected at Patliputra Sports Complex, Patna for various sports. The work of reconstruction of the indoor stadium is also on. Sports in Bihar also got the boost after a separate Department of Sports was constituted by the state government in January 2024. Earlier sport was part of the Art, Culture and Youth Affairs Department. The sports budget too has increased from ₹30 crore in 2022 to ₹780 crore in 2024. The government says that there is a talent scouting programme across 38,000 schools in Bihar. There are also scholarships, Panchayat sports clubs, and jobs on the cards. Apart from its sports science lab, a coaches development programme, and technical referee development programme have also come up in Bihar in the last two years. Bihar is also introducing this game in Eklavya Residential Sports School. Last year Bihar hosted the Women's Asian Champion Trophy for hockey in Rajgir, in which India won by defeating China. In 2025, Bihar is set to host a series of events, including the Khelo India Para Games, Women's Kabaddi World Cup, and the Asia Rugby U-20 Sevens Championship. It is in this ecosystem that SepakTakraw rises.
