Lucknow: The sporting and academic fraternity in Uttar Pradesh is mourning the sudden demise of Dr Sudharma Singh, secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association and vice-president of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association. He passed away at around 11.30 pm on November 2 while undergoing treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi. He was 67.
Dr Singh had been unwell for the past 10–12 days and was admitted to AIIMS for treatment. His last rites were performed at Baikunth Dham on Tuesday, where a large number of representatives from the BBD Group, badminton fraternity and sporting community gathered to pay their last respects. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
Dr Anandeshwar Pandey, general secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association, expressed deep sorrow over his demise and prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family. Remembering his contribution to badminton, he said Dr Singh remained deeply committed to the sport and the welfare of players, while extending support to other sporting disciplines as well.
Viraj Sagar Das, president of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association and Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association and chairman of the BBD Group, described his passing as an irreparable loss. He recalled that Dr Singh had been associated with his family and the BBD Group for nearly 40 years, providing invaluable guidance, affection and support. He also served as registrar of BBD University.
Dr Navneet Sehgal, chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association, said his demise was an immense loss for the state’s badminton fraternity.
Several sports administrators and representatives of various associations expressed their condolences, including Dr Syed Rafat Zubair Rizvi, treasurer of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association; Dr R.P. Singh, state sports director and president of UP Hockey; Ravindra Chauhan and Arun Kakkar of the Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association; Manish Kakkar of the UP Wushu Association; Sudhir Sharma of the UP Rowing Association; T.P. Haveliya and Jaspal Singh of the Karate Association of UP; Puneet Agrawal of the UP Tennis Association; and Rajkumar of the UP Taekwondo Association.
Dr Singh played a significant role in the development and administration of badminton in Uttar Pradesh. Known for his strong administrative abilities, he was actively associated with several sports organisations besides the state Olympic and badminton associations. His contribution was instrumental in organising major sporting events, including the Syed Modi International Badminton Championships. His dedication and services to the sporting community will be remembered.
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