The untimely death of international Jiu-Jitsu sportswoman Rohini Kalam has sent India’s sporting community into a state of shock. The 35-year-old sportswoman from Dewas in Madhya Pradesh was discovered dead at her home in October 2025. Initial police reports indicate she took her own life. Her tragic death has set off debates on mental well-being, stress in the workplace, and the absence of institutional support for Indian sportspersons.
Kalam, who had been proudly India’s representative at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, was one of the nation’s only internationally known Jiu-Jitsu players. Aside from her athletic success, she was additionally a coach in martial arts and a would-be IPS officer.
Rohini Kalam Family & Early Life
Rohini Kalam was a native of Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, and came from an humble middle-class background. She has a retired Bank Note Press employee father and a homemaker mother. Rohini had three younger sisters, and her younger sister Roshni Kalam was pivotal in exposing the horrific incident.
According to police reports, on the day of her death, Rohini’s mother and one of her sisters were at a temple when Roshni discovered her hanging in her room. Roshni immediately informed the family and police. She told investigators that Rohini had been under significant work-related stress and was facing mental pressure due to issues at her workplace.
The family added that Rohini had also had surgery for a lump in the stomach about five months ago and was yet to recover completely. In spite of all her health issues, she continued to work as a martial arts instructor at a private school in Ashta, where she was allegedly “troubled by the faculty and principal,” Roshni said.
What’s Was Rohini Kalam Net Worth ?
Despite her success, reports in October 2025 indicate that Rohini Kalam did not possess a substantial net value. Her income mainly stemmed from her work as a martial art instructor at a private school and small tournament prize money.
Unlike athletes in mainstream sports like cricket or badminton, Jiu-Jitsu professionals in India often receive minimal financial support. Rohini’s career highlights were driven by personal dedication rather than financial gain. Friends and family describe her as a hardworking and disciplined woman who lived a simple life, focused on her sport and aspirations.
What Is Rohini Kalam’s Cause of Death?
Based on police reports, Rohini Kalam took her own life at her home in Dewas. Her sister, Roshni, discovered her hanging from her room and took her to a nearby hospital, where the doctors pronounced her dead upon admission. There was no suicide note left behind.
The family has revealed that Rohini was facing extreme work-related stress and was allegedly being bullied by the administration of the school where she was employed. Her poor health and unrealized professional ambitions might have added to her emotional stress.
Police have filed a case at Bank Note Press Police Station, and an inquiry is in progress. Authorities are waiting for the post-mortem report to ascertain the reason behind death.
Rohini Kalam’s Career & Achievements
Rohini Kalam started her martial arts career in 2007, moving on to professional Jiu-Jitsu by 2015. She grew to become one of India’s brightest martial artists of all time.
She was part of India’s representation in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, gaining acclaim for her toughness and dexterity. Specifically, she was the sole Indian chosen for the World Games in Birmingham, a reflection of her ability and commitment to the sport.
Her awards were:
Bronze medal at the Thailand Open Grand Prix 2022 in the 48 kg weight category.
Bronze medal at the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024 Abu Dhabi in the duo classic competition.
Aside from her sporting achievement, Rohini wanted to be an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. She frequently turned down marriage proposals to pursue her career and join the civil services, her father disclosed. She was also working toward winning the Vikram Award, which is the premier sport award in Madhya Pradesh, but failed in her bid for the last two years.
