Ace para-badminton player Ramesh Tikaram dies of COVID-19

Ramesh Tikaram, who had fever and cough, was admitted to a private hospital on June 29. The player is survived by wife and two children.

Bengaluru: Arjuna awardee and ace para-badminton player Ramesh Tikaram died of coronavirus in a hospital here on Thursday, Para-Badminton India president N C Sudhir said.

"We are sorry to inform you that Ramesh Tikaram passed away this afternoon..." Sudhir said in a statement.

Talking to PTI, he said the 51-year-old player, who had fever and cough, was admitted to a private hospital on June 29. The player is survived by wife and two children, said Sudhir.

One of the sportsman's friends K Y Venkatesh said Tikaram was instrumental in bringing the international para-badminton tournament to the country in 2001.

Ramesh Tikaram (file image)

Tikaram was the country's first para-badminton player to be honoured with the prestigious Arjuna award.

Meanwhile, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has offered condolences on the tragic demise of Tikaram.

"Very sad to hear the news of the tragic demise of former para-badminton player Ramesh Tikaram. I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers," Rijiju said in a tweet.

"He was given the Arjuna Award in the year 2002. Tikaram ji, who brought laurels to the country, lost the battle to coronavirus," he added.