New Delhi, May 13 (IANS): The government on Wednesday said the incident of attempted suicide at a water sports centre in Kerala shows there is urgent need to strengthen the training system for sportspersons.

"The shocking and tragic incident that occurred at SAG Water Sports Centre, Alappuzha does point out an urgent need to strengthen the SAI (Sports Authority of India) training system," said a statement by Minister of State for Sports Sarbananda Sonowal read out in the Lok Sabha.

A 15-year-old sportsperson died and three others were hospitalised after consuming a poisonous fruit in an apparent suicide pact following alleged harassment by seniors.

The girls were undergoing training at the Water Sports Centre of the SAI.

The statement, read out by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Pratap Rudy, said the incident shows the urgent need to strengthen Sports Authority of India's training system.

He said several external probes are currently underway including a police investigation "hence it would not be appropriate to make any specific comment in this regard".

"We would examine all suggestions and take necessary action at the earliest to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future," the statement said.