It is with deep regret that Badminton Europe received news of the untimely passing of one of Hungary's most successful and beloved badminton player, Ákos Károlyi. The former international player passed away on Friday, 17 May at the age of 39 after suffering serious illness. The Hungarian All-Time Champion (by winning 25 national championship titles) was a Junior Head Coach at the Hungarian Badminton Centre in Pécs and Member of the Council of the Badminton Association of Hungary.

He started to play badminton in his home-town, Debrecen when he was a small child. Later he became one of the best doubles player in the country.

In 2005 he moved to Pécs and started his career as a coach by working with young children and formed a club called Multi Alarm SE who became the strongest team in Hungary.

BEC offers its condolences to his family and to Hungarian Badminton Association.