New Delhi, May 4 (UNI) The Boxing Federation of India's (BFI) Executive Director Raj Kumar Sacheti passed away on Tuesday.
The Doyen of Indian Olympic sports administration was fighting the deadly virus at a hospital here before he suffered a cardiac arrest.
Sacheti hailed from Alwar, Rajasthan and was 55 years old.
"With a deep sense of sorrow & grief, we inform you that Mr RK Sacheti, ED (BFI) left for heavenly abode today morning, creating a huge void in the sports world," the BFI said in a statement.
"He has been a Member IOC Olympic Task Force & an able administrator with an unparalleled contribution to Flag of India Sports," it added.
A Chartered Accountant by profession, Sacheti has been instrumental in turning around the face of Indian boxing and taking it to the greatest height.
He was considered as India's most able compendium of sports management and one of the finest sports administrators in the country. He had been an architect of all major sporting milestones in India for the last couple of decades.
Sacheti was also a Member of International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Boxing Task Force for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
'The finest and most passionate sports administrators that this country has known, RK Sacheti was the life and soul of the Boxing Federation of India. Indian boxing reaching such heights in the last few years was largely his contribution. We will miss him dearly. Boxing will miss him. Indian sport will miss him. Rest in peace my dear friend. We will always be proud of you,' BFI President Ajay Singh said.
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed grief over the veteran's demise.
"Our beloved R K Sacheti ji, Boxing Federation ED has lost the battle against COVID-19. He was one of the pillars who put India in the league of world's top Boxing nations. I wish he could see our Boxers in Olympics.
"I extend my condolence to his family for the monumental loss," he tweeted.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also offered condolences.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of IOA Associate Joint Secretary, BFI Executive Director and dear friend Sri Raj Kumar Sacheti," IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said in a statement.
A veteran sports administrator, he was also the Asst. Joint Secretary of Indian Olympics Association, Meghalaya National Games GTCC Chairman and a call away for the players and coaches.
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