Tragedy struck India’s champion doubles shuttler, R. Satwiksairaj, as his father, Kasi Viswanatham, passed away on Thursday morning following a massive cardiac arrest. He was 65 and is survived by his wife and two sons.
A retired physical education teacher, Kasi Viswanatham was traveling with his wife, Rangamani, and a close friend in a car from Amalapuram to Rajahmundry airport. They were en route to Delhi to see Satwik, who is set to receive the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award later this week, according to K. Ch. Punnaiah Choudhary, former secretary of the Badminton Association of India.
Punnaiah, who had coached Satwik’s father for four years, recalled how that experience became the inspiration for Satwik to take up the sport. “I have known their family for close to four decades, and this is a huge shock to us,” he told Sportstar.
On the way from Amalapuram, Satwik’s father complained of uneasiness and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared ‘brought dead,’ family members said. His second son, who is in the US, is expected to return in time for the cremation, which will take place on Saturday. Satwik has booked an afternoon flight from Delhi to reach his hometown.
The badminton fraternity fondly recalls an emotional moment Satwik shared when he entered the Guinness Book of World Records for recording the fastest smash by a men’s player (565 kmph in 2023), showcasing his deep attachment to his father.
At the time, Satwik posted a heartfelt video clip on social media, capturing his father’s joy as he unwrapped the parcel related to the achievement. “As my shuttle soared at 565 kmph, I realised the true speed of a father’s pride – an unbreakable record in my heart,” he wrote.
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