In a shocking incident that has left Raipur reeling, a 48-year-old hardware businessman, Amrit Bajaj, collapsed and died from a heart attack while playing badminton on Monday morning, February 16, 2026. The tragedy unfolded at the Ashwini Nagar Sonkar Bari open badminton court, marking the first such heartbreaking event at this popular venue.
Amrit, known in business circles for his hardware trade, was a fitness enthusiast who prioritized health despite managing diabetes. Friends recall him as a regular at the court, also enjoying cricket in his routine. That fateful morning, during a doubles match, he lunged for a shuttlecock, lost balance, and fell face-first onto the wooden floor.
Onlookers initially thought it was a slip, but his lack of response prompted immediate action. Fellow players attempted revival on-site before rushing him to a nearby private hospital. Doctors confirmed his death upon arrival, with postmortem revealing cardiac arrest as the cause.
A CCTV video capturing the moment has gone viral on social media, showing Amrit actively playing before suddenly collapsing. The footage has sparked widespread concern about sudden health risks even among the fit.
Medical experts note that while exercise is vital, underlying conditions like diabetes can turn high-intensity activities deadly if not monitored. Similar cases have surfaced in cities like Hyderabad and Indore, prompting calls for AED machines and CPR training at sports facilities.
Amrit leaves behind his wife and children, devastated by the loss. Police investigations found no foul play, but the badminton community mourns, urging regular health check-ups. This incident serves as a stark reminder: fitness alone isn’t enough; comprehensive health vigilance is key.