Young Athlete’s Sudden Death at Hyderabad Stadium Shocks Community

Hyderabad — A tragic incident unfolded at Nagole Stadium in Hyderabad, where 25-year-old Gundla Rakesh suffered a fatal heart attack while playing badminton with friends. Rakesh, a private company employee and son of Gundla Venkateshwarlu, a former deputy sarpanch of Tallada in Khammam district, collapsed abruptly during the game at an indoor court in Uppal Stadium. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, medical staff declared him dead on arrival, leaving his family and community in profound grief.

The sudden collapse occurred mid-match, with Rakesh showing no prior signs of distress, as captured in a widely circulated video that documented the harrowing moment. The footage, which has sparked widespread attention on social media, shows fellow players and bystanders attempting to assist before emergency services were contacted. Authorities have not released an official cause of death, but a suspected cardiac arrest is believed to be the reason, based on initial reports from the scene. This incident has reignited concerns about the rising number of sudden cardiac events among young, seemingly healthy individuals in India.

The loss of Rakesh, described as an active and enthusiastic individual, has deeply affected the local community in Hyderabad and his native Tallada. No further details about his medical history or potential contributing factors have been disclosed, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding this devastating event. The viral video has prompted discussions about the need for increased awareness of CPR and emergency medical response in public spaces.