Veteran athlete dies of cardiac arrest

The sudden death of veteran athlete Varinder Sachdeva while taking part in the ongoing third edition of the state-level Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan here at Guru Nanak Stadium on Tuesday has left the sports community in shock. Varinder Sachdeva (54) from Jalandhar died due to a cardiac arrest.

Varinder took part in two field events (long jump and shot put disciplines) in 51-60 years’ category in the morning and he had not made any complaint of illness or discomfort.

At around 5 pm, he suddenly fell to the ground, foam-like substance was observed coming out of his mouth.

The officials present there and the on-site medical team, provided immediate care but he did not respond. Meanwhile, ambulance arrived within minutes and the athlete was rushed to the Civil Hospital, where emergency services attempted revival but in vain.