Overview

• Gundla Rakesh, 25, collapsed while retrieving a shuttlecock on July 27 during a doubles badminton match at Nagole Stadium in Hyderabad, and despite chest compressions by fellow players, he was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital
• Telangana Police have registered a case and conducted a postmortem examination, with official findings still pending
• The incident was captured on CCTV and the footage has circulated widely online, renewing concern over sudden cardiac arrests among seemingly healthy youth
• At least 10 similar sudden cardiac fatalities among young people have been reported in the Telugu states since 2023 during sports, workouts and daily activities
• Medical professionals are emphasizing regular cardiovascular screenings and lifestyle interventions to detect hidden heart conditions early