New Delhi, India, May 5, 2021: Six-time world champion MC Mary Kom has led a long list of mourners who have paid fulsome tribute to the Boxing Federation of India’s executive director Raj Kumar Sacheti who died on Tuesday, May 4 after battling COVID-19. He was 56.
Kom posted on her Facebook page: “I am feeling so sorry, you left us too soon. You are simple, humble, trustworthy. I will always hold you close in my thoughts. Your contribution and initiatives in the sports fraternity we will always cherish.”
The Indian Olympic Association also offered condolences.
“Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of IOA Associate Joint Secretary, BFI Executive Director and dear friend Shri Raj Kumar Sacheti,” IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta said.
BFI President Ajay Singh described Sacheti as "the life and soul” of the national federation.
“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. Rest in peace, my dear friend. We will always be proud of you,” Singh said.
Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed grief tweeting: “Our beloved RK 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 the Olympics. I extend my condolences to his family for the monumental loss.”
An unprecedented nine Indian boxers have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, including Mary Kom.
Team India posted: “A seasoned member of the Indian sporting fraternity, Shri Raj Kumar Sacheti was a passionate sports administrator and his contribution to Boxing, the Olympic movement and Commonwealth sport in India is fondly remembered.”
