

Hyderabad Man Dies Suddenly During Badminton
A 26-year-old man named Rakesh tragically passed away while playing badminton at an indoor facility in Hyderabad. The sudden collapse, caught on CCTV, has drawn attention to the growing concern of unexpected cardiac events in young adults during physical activity.
Sudden Collapse During a Friendly Match
On Sunday evening, around 7:30 PM, Rakesh was participating in a doubles badminton game at a court in the Uppal Bhagyath area. He had travelled from RTC X Roads, where he lived, to play a friendly match, as he was acquainted with someone in the locality.
According to the CCTV footage, Rakesh was actively moving and serving during the game. Moments after conceding a point, he bent to retrieve the shuttlecock and began walking back to continue play. Suddenly, he collapsed without showing any prior signs of distress.
Immediate Help, But No Signs of Recovery
Other players on the court quickly approached Rakesh to check on him. He was unresponsive and appeared to have lost consciousness. Without delay, he was taken to a nearby hospital. Sadly, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The hospital staff informed local authorities, and the Uppal police arrived to examine the scene and review the CCTV recording.
Possible Cause: Sudden Heart Attack
A preliminary investigation suggested that Rakesh may have suffered a cardiac arrest. According to Sub-Inspector A. Madhava Reddy, the early assumption points toward a heart attack as the likely cause of death. A post-mortem examination was performed, and the final medical report is still pending. A case has been registered to formally document the incident.
Why Are Young People Experiencing Cardiac Arrests?
While heart attacks are often linked to older age groups, recent years have seen a noticeable increase in such incidents among young individuals, especially during intense physical exertion like gym workouts or competitive sports.
Some common contributing factors include:
- Undetected heart abnormalities
- High stress levels and a sedentary lifestyle
- Genetic heart conditions
- Use of stimulants or performance-enhancing substances
- Lack of regular cardiac health screening
In many cases, these conditions remain unnoticed until a serious event occurs, often without prior symptoms.
Preventive Measures: What Can Be Done?
This tragic case highlights the importance of being proactive about heart health, particularly for those who engage in sports or high-intensity activities. Some key steps include:
- Routine health check-ups, including ECGs and stress tests for physically active individuals
- Awareness of family medical history, especially related to cardiac issues
- Recognising warning signs such as chest discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath during exercise
- Access to emergency equipment, such as defibrillators (AEDs), at public gyms and sports facilities
- Proper training for staff and coaches in CPR and emergency response
Conclusion
Rakesh’s sudden death is not just a personal tragedy, it is a reminder of how important it is to recognise and manage heart risks, even in younger populations. Early diagnosis, awareness, and emergency preparedness can play a vital role in preventing such incidents in the future.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.