Hyderabad, India – In a deeply distressing incident that has shaken the residents of Telangana, a 25-year-old youth named Raksh, collapsed and died of a sudden heart attack while playing badminton with friends in the Nagole area of Hyderabad. The unexpected demise of the young man has raised alarms about growing concerns around sudden cardiac arrest among youth, sedentary lifestyles, and hidden heart conditions.
According to local media and eye-witness accounts, Raksh, who hailed from Thalada village in the Khammam district, was enjoying a casual badminton game with friends when he suddenly fell to the ground. Despite his friends’ frantic efforts to revive him and their immediate rush to the hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Who Was Raksh? A Brief Profile of the Deceased
Raksh was the son of Gundla, a former deputy sarpanch of Thalada village. He was known as a humble, friendly, and energetic young man who had recently moved to Nagole, a residential locality in Hyderabad, for work opportunities. Employed at a private company, he was among the many youths who migrate to urban centers in India seeking professional growth and a better lifestyle.
Colleagues and friends remember him as someone full of life, passionate about sports, and deeply attached to his roots in Khammam.
“He was always up for a game of badminton in the evenings. It was his way to unwind after work,” said a co-worker.
The Fateful Day: A Routine Game Turns into a Nightmare
The incident occurred during a friendly badminton session held in the evening. Raksh, who seemed perfectly healthy and showed no prior symptoms of illness, suddenly lost his balance and collapsed mid-game.
“It happened so quickly. One moment he was laughing and running, the next he was lying on the ground motionless,” said one of his friends who was present at the scene.
Friends immediately gathered around him, tried to check his pulse, and performed basic CPR before calling an ambulance. He was transported to a nearby hospital, but despite their efforts, doctors pronounced him dead due to a massive cardiac arrest.
Heartbreaking Visuals Go Viral on Social Media
A CCTV video capturing the incident has since gone viral on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp. In the video, Raksh can be seen holding a badminton racket, suddenly stumbling, and then falling flat onto the court. His friends can be seen rushing to his aid, visibly panicked, trying to revive him.
The heartbreaking footage has sparked an outpouring of grief and concern from netizens, many of whom have shared their condolences while also questioning why such events are becoming more common.
Increasing Cases of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Adults in India
Raksh’s tragic demise is not an isolated incident. Over the past few years, India has witnessed a growing number of heart-related deaths among young and seemingly healthy individuals. Doctors and health experts have repeatedly warned that factors like sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, mental stress, excessive screen time, and undiagnosed congenital heart conditions are contributing to this worrying trend.
Alarming Statistics:
- According to a study published in the Indian Heart Journal, cardiovascular diseases account for 28% of total deaths in India, and the age of onset is declining.
- A 2023 survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported a 15% increase in sudden cardiac deaths among individuals under the age of 40 in the last five years.
- Heart attacks among people aged 25–35 have increased significantly, especially in urban centers like Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
What Is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Why Is It So Deadly?
A sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. This causes blood flow to the brain and other vital organs to cease, leading to death within minutes if not treated immediately.
Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, cardiac arrest is more of an electrical malfunction in the heart’s rhythm (arrhythmia). It can happen to anyone, even those who appear to be in perfect health.
Common Causes of SCA in Young Adults:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – a condition where the heart muscle becomes thickened.
- Congenital heart defects – present from birth but may go undetected.
- Myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by viral infections.
- Intense physical activity without proper warm-up or in extreme temperatures.
- Use of stimulants, including energy drinks, performance enhancers, or illegal drugs.
- Undiagnosed high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Importance of Preventive Health Screening
Experts have long emphasized the need for regular cardiac screening, especially for those engaged in sports, gym workouts, or physical labor. Many hidden heart conditions can be detected through basic medical tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Echocardiogram (Echo)
- Treadmill Test (TMT)
- Lipid profile and blood pressure monitoring
Preventive check-ups can save lives by identifying risks before they become fatal. Sadly, in Raksh’s case, there is no indication that he had any known medical condition, further underlining the silent nature of heart-related diseases in youth.
The Role of Lifestyle and Mental Health
Doctors also point to the mounting stress levels among young Indian professionals. The pressure to succeed, long work hours, sleep deprivation, and poor eating habits all contribute to cardiac health issues. Moreover, social isolation, especially among youth living away from families, adds an emotional strain.
“Urban youth today are more vulnerable than ever. They may look fit from the outside but could be battling chronic stress, fatigue, and undiagnosed conditions,” said Dr. Anil Reddy, a Hyderabad-based cardiologist.
Public Reaction and Outpouring of Grief
The incident has drawn widespread attention not just due to the tragic nature of Raksh’s death but also because of the viral video that captured it. Many people have posted tributes online, expressing disbelief that such a young and active individual could succumb so quickly.
Local leaders from Khammam and colleagues from his workplace also visited his family, expressing their condolences. The Gundla family, still in shock, has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Call for Awareness and Emergency Preparedness
In the wake of Raksh’s death, public health experts are calling for increased awareness around emergency medical preparedness in public spaces.
Suggestions Include:
- Installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in gyms, sports facilities, and offices.
- Basic CPR training for young people, especially in schools and colleges.
- Mandatory health screenings for employees, especially in physically demanding or high-stress jobs.
- Government-led awareness campaigns targeting youth health.
Conclusion: A Stark Reminder of Fragile Youth Health
Raksh’s sudden death while engaging in a recreational sport is a tragic reminder that youth does not guarantee immunity from life-threatening medical emergencies. His passing has left a deep void among his loved ones and serves as a wake-up call for society to prioritize preventive health care, emotional well-being, and emergency preparedness.
As investigations continue and doctors wait for postmortem results to confirm the exact cause, the community mourns a life lost far too soon—one that could potentially have been saved with timely intervention and greater awareness.
