Youngster Dies from Cardiac Arrest While Playing Badminton in Hyderabad

A tragic incident occurred in Hyderabad on July 28, 2023, when Gundla Rakesh, a 25-year-old man, died from a suspected cardiac arrest while playing badminton with friends. Rakesh collapsed suddenly on the court at an indoor stadium in Nagole during a doubles match. The event, which took place on a Sunday night, was captured on CCTV footage.

Witnesses reported that Rakesh had just picked up the shuttlecock and was preparing to serve when he collapsed. Fellow players and others nearby rushed to assist him, with one individual reportedly administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Despite immediate efforts to save him, Rakesh was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.

Rakesh was the son of Gundla Venkateshwarlu, a former deputy sarpanch of Tallada village in Khammam district. He was employed at a private company in Hyderabad.

Recurring Tragedies in the Region

This incident is part of a concerning trend in the region, as similar cases of young individuals suffering fatal heart attacks during physical activities have been reported in recent years. In March 2023, for example, Shyam Yadav, a 38-year-old private employee, also collapsed and died while playing badminton at the Jayashankar Indoor Stadium in Lalapet.

The Telugu states have witnessed at least ten such incidents in 2023 alone. Young people have succumbed to sudden heart attacks while exercising, playing sports, or even participating in social events. On February 25, 2023, a 19-year-old died while dancing at a wedding in the Nirmal district of Telangana. Similarly, a 24-year-old police constable suffered a cardiac arrest at a gym in Hyderabad just three days earlier.

Another alarming case involved a 40-year-old man who collapsed during a Haldi ceremony in Hyderabad. He was applying turmeric to the groom when he suddenly fell ill. In September 2023, a 26-year-old named Prasad died of a cardiac episode while dancing at a Ganesh mandap in Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.

Calls for Awareness and Action

The rising number of cardiac-related deaths among young individuals has raised concerns among health officials and the public. Experts emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups and awareness of heart health, particularly for those engaged in strenuous physical activities.

As these tragic events continue to unfold, there is an urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures to address this alarming trend in the Telugu states. The community mourns the loss of Rakesh and others who have faced similar fates, underscoring the critical importance of health education and proactive medical care.