Indian Expat Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Badminton Match in Dubai
A 52-year-old Indian expatriate died of cardiac arrest after a badminton match in Dubai, marking the third such sports-related death this year.
A 52-year-old Indian expatriate collapsed and died of sudden cardiac arrest on October 25, 2026, shortly after participating in a badminton match in Dubai.
Ranjith Vijayan, a resident of Ras Al Khor who had lived in Dubai for 26 years, was playing with colleagues at an indoor school court in Dubai Land between 8:00 am and 10:00 am when the tragedy unfolded.
Emergency Response and Medical Efforts
During the session, Vijayan reportedly experienced breathing difficulties before collapsing on the school premises. Colleagues, including Santhosh Kumar Parayil and Tito Thomas, immediately rushed to his side to assist. A colleague trained in CPR, alongside school security staff, performed life-saving measures until an ambulance arrived on the scene within five minutes.
Despite receiving immediate medical attention from a doctor and being rushed to a private hospital, Vijayan was declared dead on arrival.
A Health-Conscious Lifestyle Cut Short
The sudden loss has shocked his community, as associates described Vijayan as an exceptionally health-conscious individual. He reportedly maintained a regular gym routine, followed a healthy diet, and showed no abnormalities during his regular medical check-ups.
Vijayan served as the General Manager for Logistics and Supply Chain at a Dubai-based engineering and industrial solutions company. He is survived by his wife, Rashmi, and his son, Rithvik.
A Concerning Trend of Sports-Related Deaths
This incident marks the third sudden death among Indian expatriates linked to sports activities in the UAE this year, raising significant concerns within the community.
- June 17, 2026: Anwar Sadiq, a 43-year-old procurement manager from Kerala, died of cardiac arrest following a badminton session in Ajman.
- June 14, 2026: Safwan Shanu, a 38-year-old businessman from Karnataka, collapsed and died while playing cricket in Al Garhoud, Dubai.
In both previous cases, emergency medical interventions were attempted, but neither individual could be resuscitated. The recent string of fatalities has prompted urgent calls from the community for increased preventative health screenings, particularly for the Indian diaspora living in the Gulf region.