Indian Expat Dies of Cardiac Arrest After Dubai Badminton Session
A 52-year-old Indian expatriate died of cardiac arrest after a badminton session in Dubai, marking the third such sports-related death this year.
A 52-year-old Indian expatriate collapsed and died of cardiac arrest following a badminton session in Dubai on Saturday morning, marking the third such sudden, sports-related death involving an Indian national in the UAE this year.
Emergency Response in Dubai Land
The incident involving Ranjith Vijayan occurred between 8 am and 10 am on October 24, 2026, at a school facility located in Dubai Land. Despite the rapid response of trained colleagues and school security staff who performed immediate CPR, and an ambulance arriving within five minutes, Mr. Vijayan was pronounced dead upon arrival at a private hospital.
Mr. Vijayan, a long-term resident of Ras Al Khor for 26 years, was a senior professional serving as the General Manager for Logistics and Supply Chain at a Dubai-based engineering and industrial solutions company. According to his friend and neighbor, Tito Thomas, the group playing badminton had followed all necessary safety precautions during their game.
A Concerning Trend of Sudden Deaths
The sudden passing of Mr. Vijayan highlights a recurring and tragic pattern of cardiac events during physical activities among the expatriate community in 2026. This is the third such case reported this year:
- June 14, 2026: Safwan Shanu, a 38-year-old businessman from Karnataka, died of a heart attack while playing cricket in Al Garhoud, Dubai.
- June 17, 2026: Anwar Sadiq, a 43-year-old procurement manager from Thrissur, Kerala, died of cardiac arrest following a badminton session in Ajman.
Medical Experts Highlight Underlying Risks
While Mr. Vijayan reportedly had no known history of heart disease and maintained regular health check-ups, medical experts suggest that several factors may contribute to these sudden cardiac events in seemingly healthy individuals. These include:
- Genetic Predispositions: Higher susceptibility within South Asian populations.
- High-Stress Environments: The pressures associated with professional life in the Gulf.
- Lifestyle Factors: Various environmental and lifestyle elements unique to the region.
Mr. Vijayan is survived by his wife, Rashmi, who lives in the UAE, and his son, Rithvik, who is pursuing higher education in India. Santhosh Kumar Parayil, the HR and administration manager, is currently coordinating the repatriation of Mr. Vijayan's remains to his home state of Kerala.