The Guyana Olympic Association and the National Sports Commission on Saturday expressed their sadness at the sudden passing of long-serving Badminton administrator and coach, and former player Gokarn Ramdhani.
On Friday evening, the 55-year-old suffered a massive heart attack in Canada, where he was residing with his children- national and Caribbean badminton champions Narayan and Priyanna- who are on scholarship.
The Olympic Association, in a statement, expressed its “shock and great sadness” at the passing of Ramdhani, who was a Council Member of the Olympic body.
“Mr. Ramdhani will be remembered for his passion and dedication to sport and more especially the development of Badminton in Guyana, the sport that was dearest in his heart, and was the father and coach of two of the Caribbean’s most outstanding badminton players.”
“The GOA has had the distinct pleasure of working with Mr. Ramdhani during his time as a Council member and for his sterling and outstanding contributions made over the years to the activities of the Guyana Olympic Association. Mr. Ramdhani has represented the GOA on several occasions with distinction at Regional and International Games be it as Chef De Mission, Manager or Coach.
The Olympic Association noted Ramdhani’s passing is a “tremendous loss” to the sport fraternity, as he was “a great son and leader.”
“On behalf of the President, Executive and members of the Guyana Olympic Association, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to his wife, children and other members of the Ramdhani family, friends, executive and members of the Guyana Badminton Association.”
The Ministry of Sport and the National Sports Commission also paid tribute to Ramdhani, labelling him “a true patriot.”
“The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr. and the National Sports Commission wish to extend deepest condolences to wife, children and family of President of the Guyana Badminton Association Gokarn Ramdhani. The sporting fraternity and Guyana have lost a true patriot, who dedicated his life to the development of badminton. May his soul rest in peace.”
Ramdhani, who would have turned 56 in December, was a Council Member of the Guyana Olympic Association and the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation, the Second Vice-President of the Confederation of Central American and Caribbean Badminton, Owner/Head Coach of Yonex Badminton Club and Head Coach of Olds College in Canada.
