25-Year-Old Dies While Playing Badminton in Hyderabad, Cardiac Arrest Suspected

Hyderabad — A 25-year-old man collapsed and died while playing badminton at a sports center in Hyderabad on Sunday evening, 27 July 2025. The incident occurred at around 8:00 pm and was captured on CCTV.

The deceased has been identified as Gundla Rakesh, a resident of RTC X Roads and an employee of a private company. He collapsed while playing a doubles match at a private indoor sports academy in Uppal Bhagyath, Hyderabad.

CCTV footage, widely circulated on social media, shows Rakesh actively participating in the game. He bent to pick up a shuttlecock and suddenly collapsed. Fellow players rushed to help. One of them attempted chest compressions at the scene, but Rakesh remained unresponsive. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

According to hospital sources, preliminary findings suggest cardiac arrest as the cause of death. However, a postmortem examination is awaited for confirmation. Rakesh had no known health issues and had played badminton regularly for more than 12 years, according to his brother Suresh. His father, Gundla Venkateswarlu, is a former Deputy Sarpanch of Tallada in Khammam district.

The Uppal police have registered a case under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code (unnatural death) and are investigating the incident.

The case has raised concern over sudden cardiac deaths among young individuals during physical activity. Medical experts explain that even seemingly healthy people may have undiagnosed heart conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, coronary artery anomalies, or electrical issues like arrhythmias. These can lead to sudden cardiac arrest during exertion.

Doctors recommend regular cardiac screenings, especially for those who engage in intense sports. Symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, or unexplained fatigue should be medically evaluated.

This incident adds to a growing number of similar deaths in the region. In Karnataka’s Hassan district, 22 cardiac-related deaths were reported within 40 days, including four in a single day in June 2025. Most victims were between 19 and 25 years of age. The Karnataka government has formed a committee to investigate the rising trend of heart-related fatalities.

In a related case, 34-year-old cricketer Harjeet Singh collapsed and died during a match in Firozpur, Punjab.

Rakesh’s sudden death has triggered discussions around cardiovascular health in young adults. Authorities continue to wait for the postmortem report to determine the exact cause.

(Rh/Eth/NS/MSM/SE)