Indian Expat Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Badminton Match in Dubai
A 52-year-old Indian logistics manager died of cardiac arrest after a badminton game in Dubai, the third such sports-related death this year.
A 52-year-old Indian expatriate, Ranjith Vijayan, passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest in Dubai after completing a routine badminton session. The incident, which occurred during the early hours of October 24-25, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the local community.
Tragic Collapse in Dubai Land
Vijayan, a seasoned logistics manager for a Dubai-based engineering and industrial solutions company for 26 years, collapsed at a school facility in Dubai Land. The incident took place as he was preparing to leave after his scheduled 8 am to 10 am badminton session.
Despite the rapid response from those on the scene, the outcome was tragic. A trained colleague and school security staff immediately administered CPR. Although an ambulance arrived within five minutes, Vijayan was pronounced dead upon arrival at a private hospital.
A Life of Discipline and Dedication
A native of Elavumthitta in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Vijayan had been a resident of Ras Al Khor for many years. He was highly regarded by his peers for his disciplined lifestyle. Colleagues, including HR general manager Santhosh Kumar Parayil and friend Tito Thomas, described him as a health-conscious individual with no known history of heart conditions.
Vijayan maintained a regular fitness routine and underwent consistent medical check-ups. He is survived by his wife, Rashmi, who resides in the UAE, and their son, Rithvik, who is currently pursuing higher education in India. His employer is currently assisting his family with the repatriation of his remains to India.
A Growing Concern for the Expat Community
This tragedy marks the third instance in 2026 where an Indian expatriate in the UAE has suffered a sudden death related to sports activities:
- June 17, 2026: 43-year-old Anwar Sadiq, a procurement manager from Kerala, died of cardiac arrest after a badminton session in Ajman.
- June 14, 2026: 38-year-old businessman Safwan Shanu from Karnataka died of a heart attack while playing cricket in Al Garhoud.
Medical Perspectives on Sudden Deaths
Medical experts have noted that such incidents can occur even in individuals who appear to be in peak physical condition. Potential causes for sudden cardiac arrest in seemingly healthy people include:
- Undiagnosed conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
- Underlying coronary issues.
- Exacerbation of health risks due to high-stress environments and lifestyle factors common among the Gulf diaspora.