Tragedy strikes at Asia Fighting Championship (AFC) on Saturday night at the Marina Bay Sands, as World Bodybuilding & Physique Sports Federation (WBPF) President Pradip Subramanian died after his Muay Thai match.
Pradip Subramanian, 32, had reportedly looked shaken after his bout with YouTube personality Steven Lim and had to be helped out of the ring. Pradip was rushed to Singapore General Hospital where he died.
Asia Fighting Championship issued a statement, Subramanian passed away at 9 PM.
“We are in close contact with the medical staff at the hospital to ascertain the cause of death and request that during this difficult time, we should come together and extend our support to Mr. Subramanian’s family, friends, and associates and refrain from any speculation,”
“Mr Subramanian’s project, the AFC Physique Championships (APC) which is scheduled for 24th September 2017 will be cancelled as a mark of respect,” it added.
It is understood that all fighters, including Lim and Pradip, went for a regular medical check-up and signed an acknowledgment form about the risks involved.
Steven Lim, 41, said in a Facebook post:
“This is a very sad moment for me to learn about the shocking news! You taught us all the virtues of being fearless and strong and the importance of keeping an active and fit lifestyle. My deepest condolences to you… You are truly our hero.”
This was Pradip’s first Muay Thai fight as a veteran bodybuilder, he was not originally slated to fight, but on Friday, Sep 22nd, he was announced as a replacement after former Singapore Idol finalist and singer Sylvester Sim withdrew from the bout citing insurance problems.
“Our beloved son passed away suddenly,” his family said in a Facebook post, adding that the wake would be held at Woodlands Street 81, Block 807, on Sunday.
Watch the tragedy fight: Pradip Subramanian vs. Steven Lim:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtrv4YfcVHg
https://www.facebook.com/nigelchua/videos/vb.620713284/10155222167693285/
The local governing body of Muay Thai, president Mervyn Tan said:
“We are shocked, saddened and perplexed by what happened. It was a tragic incident.”
Kevin Chiak, a local bodybuilder who organizes local bodybuilding competition FM League, noted the differences between bodybuilding and combat sports.
“When we train for bodybuilding, yes it is a matter of time that we build muscles and on the competition day itself, it is a purely a display of muscles. There is no contact between people.
In contact sports, having the skills and cardio capability is most important. If a bodybuilder wants to take part in a fight, he has to be trained for it, no matter how friendly the fight is.
The main consideration is: Was he trained as a fighter? If not, that’s too risky and dangerous.”
The Asia Fighting Championship (AFC) and the Physique Championship were supposed to be the two highlights of the Asia Fitness and Health Expo, will be canceled now as a mark of respect.
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