Hours after he participated in Goa marathon, 39-year-old dental surgeon dies at home

His father, Dr Dnyaneshwar Kudalkar, former chief medical officer at Mormugao Port Trust hospital, told The Indian Express: “I’m at a loss for words. He was extremely fit…his day started with some physical activity and training. In recent years, he took part in many running and cycling events and won medals”.

He said after finishing the race, his son returned home and complained of some “discomfort” in shoulder and stomach.

“He said he was unwell and wanted to rest. Around 12.30 pm, he was lying in bed for an hour. He vomited, drank some water and then collapsed on bed. We are all doctors in the family…so we tried giving him CPR, but he was not responding. We rushed him to a hospital in Chicalim, where he was declared brought dead. I think he suffered a massive heart attack, nothing else,” he added.

Dr Kudalkar’s friend and running partner Jitendra Dhyani, who also participated in the marathon, said, “We competed in different categories. I was in the full marathon [42.2 km]. During the race, we crossed each other twice and he was absolutely fine. He finished his race and when I reached the finish line, he was waiting there for me. I saw him take photographs of his wife and son, who had also participated in the 5-km category. Later, he complained of acidity and was assessed by the medical staff at the venue. But he was declared fit and he went home.”

Dhyani added: “We both recently competed in a marathon in Mangalore. This has come as a shock”.

In a statement, Goa Badminton Association said it deeply mourns the sad and untimely demise of Dr Mithun Kudalkar.

“An ardent fitness enthusiast, he was passionate about badminton, cycling and running. He actively participated in badminton tournaments and other sporting events, inspiring many with his zeal for fitness,” the association said.