'Complained of arm pain': Kerala expat dies of cardiac arrest moments after badminton game in UAE

Anwar Sadiq, a 43-year-old Indian expatriate from Kerala, died of cardiac arrest in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, just moments after participating in a routine badminton session.

Sadiq, who had resided in the UAE for approximately 15 years and was a father of two, was playing badminton with friends on the evening of June 17. During the game, he complained of pain in his left arm and stepped off the court to rest. According to family members, his blood pressure appeared normal at the time. After a brief rest and consuming a lemon soda, he attempted to leave but collapsed in his car in the parking area.

Fellow players rushed to his aid, initiating first aid and contacting emergency services. Despite their efforts and the arrival of medical assistance, Sadiq could not be revived. A death notification cited cardiac arrest as the cause of death.

Friends and neighbors remembered Sadiq as a quiet and well-liked individual. His funeral rites in both the UAE and Kerala saw a large turnout, reflecting the affection he garnered. The loss is particularly poignant as his father also died of a heart attack while working in Kuwait over a decade ago. Community volunteers assisted in repatriating his body to Kerala for burial.

Sadiq's death occurred just days after another Indian expatriate, 38-year-old Safwan Shanu, died of a heart attack while playing cricket in Dubai. Shanu had scored 46 runs before collapsing at the non-striker's end during a match.

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He was like an elder brother to me. Anyone who met him would instantly like him.