Bengaluru: Arjuna awardee and ace para-badminton player Ramesh Tikaram died of COVID-19 in a hospital in Bengaluru on Thursday. Tikaram was 51.
Tikaram was the country’s first para-badminton player to be honoured with an Arjuna award.
He was admitted to a private hospital on June 29 after complaining of fever and cough.
The player is survived by his wife and two children.
Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed his sadness over the sportsperson’s demise.
“Very sad to hear the news of the tragic demise of former Para-Badminton player Ramesh Tikaram. I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers”, the Minister tweeted.
Very sad to hear the news of the tragic demise of former Para-Badminton player Ramesh Tikaram. I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers.
स्वर्गीय श्री रमेश टीकाराम जी को साल 2002 में अर्जुन अवॉर्ड दिया गया था। देश का नाम रोशन करने वाले टीकाराम जी कोरोना से जंग हार गए। pic.twitter.com/is9uibBRSN— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) July 16, 2020