What started out as a routine badminton game between a group of friends took a tragic turn when one of them suddenly called for it to stop before collapsing at the scene.
According to China Press, the incident took place at a badminton court in Kluang, Johor, last night at 9.45pm (Aug 29).
Last words
Speaking to the Chinese daily, the team captain said the game involved a total of 12 to 14 players who occupied two badminton courts at the time.
He added that the victim, 54-year-old Lai Tianliang (transliteration), had played five or six games and showed no obvious signs of discomfort as he was moving deftly around the court.
All of a sudden, he said, ‘I don’t want to play anymore.’ But before he could even walk off from the court, he collapsed and lost consciousness.
“He still had a pulse at the time, but it gradually weakened. Other players at the scene were initially at a loss, but they immediately began performing first aid and contacted an ambulance from Kluang Hospital,” the team captain recounted.
Lai was later rushed to the hospital but sadly was pronounced dead at 11pm.
Health history
The team captain said Lai had previously undergone heart surgery more than a year and a half ago and rested for about three months before taking up badminton again.
“He really loved badminton. He hadn’t mentioned feeling unwell recently, although he had complained of knee pain in the past.
“Lai played badminton mainly for recreation and personal enjoyment, and he was also very careful about his diet.”
Meanwhile, Lai’s brother said Lai had become noticeably thinner in recent times, although a previous medical check-up didn’t raise any red flags.
Lai leaves behind his wife and university-going daughter.
AED absent
The team captain also revealed that there wasn’t an automated external defibrillator (AED) installed at the badminton court, adding that players had raised the issue with the court operator, who had promised it would be addressed.
“Most of the players were over the age of 45, so we would regularly remind one another not to force ourselves to play if we were feeling unwell,” he said.
Our condolences to Lai’s family for their loss.
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