Bangalore footballer Venkatesh dies of heart attack on field

A local footballer died following a massive heart attack while playing at the Bangalore Football Stadium, police said.

The deceased was identified as Venkatesh (34), police sources said.

Venkatesh, a first division player for a local club, Bangalore Mars, collapsed while warming up in the practice area during a match against SW Railway.

No ambulance was present at the stadium. Venkatesh's teammates hired an auto rickshaw and took him to Hosmat Hospital. However, he was declared dead on arrival by the doctors.

Police are investigating. The cause of death would be ascertained after the post-mortem report is out, although initial diagnosis suggests cardiac arrest as the cause of death.

"Venkatesh who used to play for Bangalore Mars Club suffered a massive heart attack and died on the spot while playing a match against South Western Railways," police said.

Ambulances are usually not present during matches at this level.