Indian Expat Dies After Badminton Match in Dubai
A 52-year-old Indian logistics manager died following a badminton match in Dubai, marking the third sports-related sudden death in 2026.
A 52-year-old Indian logistics manager died on Saturday morning following a routine badminton game in Dubai, leaving the expatriate community in shock.
Ranjith Vijayan, a resident of Ras Al Khor, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest after experiencing breathing difficulties while leaving the court at a school facility in Dubai Land. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, including CPR performed by friends and school security staff, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at a private hospital.
A Life Dedicated to Logistics
Vijayan, a native of Kerala, had been a long-term resident of the UAE, having lived in the country for 26 years. He served as a general manager for logistics and supply chain, a role that required significant professional responsibility.
Colleagues, including HR and administration manager Santhosh Kumar Parayil, described him as a physically active individual and noted that he had no known history of heart disease prior to the incident. He is survived by his wife, Rashmi, and his son, Rithvik, who is currently studying in India.
A Concerning Trend in 2026
This tragic event marks the third reported case of a sudden death related to sports among Indian expatriates in the UAE during 2026.
- June 14, 2026: 38-year-old Karnataka businessman Safwan Shanu died of a heart attack while playing cricket in an Al Garhoud parking lot.
- Mid-June 2026: 43-year-old Kerala procurement manager Anwar Sadiq collapsed and died following a badminton session in Ajman.
Potential Health Factors
Medical professionals have highlighted several factors that may contribute to sudden cardiac arrest in seemingly healthy individuals. These include:
- Undiagnosed underlying medical conditions.
- High-stress professional environments common in the Gulf region.
- Genetic predispositions.
Vijayan's employer is currently coordinating the necessary arrangements for the repatriation of his body to India.