Indian Expat Dies After Badminton Session in Dubai
A 52-year-old Indian professional died of sudden cardiac arrest in Dubai after a badminton session, despite receiving immediate CPR.
A 52-year-old Indian expatriate passed away on Saturday morning, October 24, 2026, following a sudden cardiac arrest in Dubai. The incident occurred shortly after Ranjith Vijayan had finished a routine badminton match with his colleagues at a school facility in Dubai Land.
Despite a rapid emergency response, the tragedy left the local community in shock. Trained co-workers and school security personnel immediately performed CPR, and an ambulance arrived at the scene within five minutes. However, Vijayan was pronounced dead upon arrival at a private hospital.
A Healthy Lifestyle Cut Short
Vijayan, who served as the General Manager for Logistics and Supply Chain at a Dubai-based engineering firm, was known for his active lifestyle. Colleagues described him as a highly health-conscious individual who consistently maintained regular medical check-ups with clean results and no prior history of heart disease.
The suddenness of the event was noted by those present. His friend and neighbor, Tito Thomas, recounted the final moments:
"Vijayan had finished playing and was packing his gear when he complained of breathing difficulties. He slowed down while walking toward his bag and then collapsed."
A resident of the UAE for 26 years, Vijayan lived in Ras Al Khor with his wife, Rashmi. His son, Rithvik, is currently pursuing his studies in India after completing his schooling in the Emirates.
A Concerning Trend in the Region
This incident marks the third sports-related sudden death involving an Indian expatriate in the UAE during 2026. Earlier this year, two similar tragedies occurred:
- June 14: 38-year-old businessman Safwan Shanu from Karnataka died of a heart attack during a cricket match in an Al Garhoud parking lot.
- June 17: 43-year-old procurement manager Anwar Sadiq from Kerala collapsed and died following a badminton session in Ajman.
Santhosh Kumar Parayil, the HR and administration manager at Vijayan's firm, is currently coordinating the repatriation of his remains to his home state of Kerala.
Medical Experts Issue Warning
The recurring nature of these incidents has prompted medical experts to issue warnings to the expatriate community. They emphasize that sudden cardiac arrest can strike even individuals who appear physically fit and pass routine medical examinations.
Experts suggest that a combination of high-stress professional environments, long working hours, and potential undiagnosed underlying conditions may be contributing factors to these sudden health crises affecting the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region.