BAI President Akhilesh Das Gupta passes away following a cardiac arrest

BADMINTON ASSOCIATION OF INDIA President Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta passed away this morning after he suffered a cardiac arrest in Lucknow.

His efforts and able leadership shaped the game of badminton and will be etched in our hearts forever. May his departed soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/uB9AzcpJDC

— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) April 12, 2017

After he suffered a massive heart attack, he was rushed to Lari hospital where was declared dead. 56-year-old Gupta is survived by wife, daughter and son.

He has also served as a Rajya Sabha member during the Congress government and was also appointed as the Mayor of Lucknow.

It was in 2012 that Gupta was appointed as the BAI president. Under him, India was given the rights to host major BWF tournaments like Thomas/Uber Cup in 2014 and the Super Series. He was also part of the team who were instrumental in organising the Indian Badminton League in 2013 which was later rechristened as Premier Badminton League in 2015 and has had two successful editions.

Read below statement released from BAI

With profound grief and sorrow, I am informing you about the sudden demise of our dear Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta Ji. A great visionary under whose leadership Badminton grew leaps and bounds in India, is unfortunately no more amongst us. This sudden lose has come as a shock to the Badminton Fraternity across the world. The benchmark set by him in taking Badminton to greater heights and putting India amongst the top badminton playing nations of the world will always be remembered. The legacy he has left as a former player, administrator and a great visionary, will continue to inspire and guide Badminton Association of India to work and promote the game- Anup Narang, General Sec.

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