Covid -19: BFI Executive Director RK Sacheti dies at 56 after battling Covid

Sacheti took over as BFI ED in 2016 and was re-elected in the federation elections this year after incumbent President Ajay Singh was re-elected.

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RK Sacheti, the Executive Director of the Boxing Federation of India, died on Tuesday after a fight with Covid-19. He was 56 years old at the time. For the past few days, the long-serving administrator had been battling an infection in a New Delhi hospital and was on ventilator support.

The BFI said in a statement that his death "left a huge void in the sports world."

“He has been a Member IOC Olympic Task Force and an able administrator with an unparalleled contribution to Indians Sports,” it added.
“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.


In addition, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed its condolences.

Sacheti took over as BFI ED in 2016 and was re-elected in the federation elections earlier this year after incumbent President Ajay Singh was re-elected.
 Sacheti was the “life and soul” of the national federation, Singh said.
“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.He added.
“Rest in peace my dear friend. We will always be proud of you,” Singh said.

AIBA (International Boxing Association) expressed its condolences.
“On behalf of AIBA and the entire boxing family we would like to express most heartfelt condolences and the deepest sympathy for the mourning of Boxing Federation of India’s Executive Director Mr Raj Kumar Sacheti,” the AIBA stated.

Kiren Rijiju, the Sports Minister, also expressed sorrow over the veteran's death.

“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 (IOA) Indian Olympic Association also presents their deep 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.
“...his contribution to the Olympic, and Commonwealth movement in India is fondly remembered,” Mehta said.


Last year, Sacheti was invited by the International Olympic Committee’s Experts Group to “advise on the formulation of rules for Olympic Qualifiers.”

The Indian Athletics Federation was also saddened by the death of the veteran administrator.

“AFI family is truly saddened with the news of passing away of Mr. RK Sacheti, Asso. VP AFI, due to Covid. I have known him for over 30 years. He was part of so many major sports events in India & gave opportunity to many youngsters to work in sports industry,” AFI President Adille Sumariwalla stated.

Former BFI secretary general Jay Kowli said “sports world has lost an efficient administrator.”
“Remembering all the great moments together. Many thanks for all your contribution to Boxing, RKS,” Kowli said in his condolence message.contribution to Boxing, RKS,” Kowli said in his condolence.

As numerous athletes and officials mourned the loss, reactions from the boxing community flooded in.







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