Following the shocking death of Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) president, Gokarn Ramdhani, the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have issued statements expressing sympathies.
Ramdhani, according to reports, suffered a fatal heart attack in Canada Friday night.
He was 55 years old.
“It is with shock and great sadness that the Guyana Olympic Association has learnt of the passing of Mr. Gokarn Ramdhani, president of the Guyana Badminton Association, Council Member of the GOA and an Executive Member of several regional bodies,” the GOA statement read.
The release added, “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 release stated while concluding, “The sporting fraternity has suffered a tremendous loss and moreso Guyana has lost 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 Culture, Youth and Sport along with the NSC, also expressed condolences to the Ramdhani family.
“The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., and the National Sports Commission wishes 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,” the bodies stated.
Ramdhani was a man of many hats, serving as the owner/head coach of Yonex Badminton Club, Council Member of the Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation, Vice-President Communications of Badminton Pan American Confederation and Second Vice-President of the Confederation Central American and Caribbean Badminton.
