11-Year-Old Dies from Heart Attack at Belgian Karate Tournament

The young karateka, a member of the Morlanwelz-Carnières club for two years, fainted while on the shiai-jo. Although in good health at the start of the competition, Ahmed suffered a heart attack and was first taken care of by the medical team on site before being transferred to the hospital where he died. "In two or three seconds, rescuers took care of him. The Smur then arrived," says Thierry Coupin, owner of the Morlanwelz-Carnières club, to Sud Info.

Ahmed collapsed before even starting his fight. He therefore did not suffer any blows or shocks. On the orders of the police, the competition was suspended and the hall evacuated after the tragedy. "He was a polite, cheerful boy who got along well with everyone. He was attentive to others like many athletes. He had the desire to learn. As soon as he arrived at the club, he told me he was there. He trained three times a week," says Cathy Lejeune, the club owner.

The Mariemont police deployed on Monday a team composed of a psychologist and members of the victim assistance service in the karate club in order to assist its members. "It is with a heavy heart that we learned of the death of our 6th grade student. We welcomed your children and tried to explain the situation to them in a few simple words. The sports certificate has been postponed," the Ressaix municipal school that Ahmed attended said in a statement.

A psychological cell has been set up on Monday in the establishment and a book of condolences opened in the gym.