Kathmandu, Nepal, September 12, 2021: The Olympic sports movement in Nepal is mourning the passing of Mr. Rukma Shumsher Rana, Honorary President of Nepal Olympic Committee, in Kathmandu on Friday. He was 85.
He was a former Chair of the Olympic Council of Asia Media Committee, former member of the OCA Executive Board and OCA Merit Award recipient.
The OCA paid tribute to the former Nepal NOC President. “Rukma Rana played a big part in the Olympic sports movement in Nepal, South Asia and Asia. He was a valued member of the OCA Executive Board for several years and his experience and knowledge led to him being named Advisor to the OCA.
“The OCA sends its deepest condolences to the family of Rukma Rana and to the Olympic family in Nepal. His contribution to Nepali sports will never be forgotten.”
NOC President Jeevan Ram Shrestha said Rana's demise was an irreparable loss for the Olympic movement in the country. "The NOC family is in shock as we have lost a friend," said Shrestha in a release.
The NOC has decided to lower its flag to half-mast for three days as tribute to Rana, who was also a former Nepal Ambassador to India.
NOC Executive Secretary Sujan Lal Shrestha added: “It is a great loss to the entire Olympic family and sports fraternity of Nepal. His valuable contribution to extend the Olympic values and Olympic movement in Nepal will always be remembered.”
Rana served Nepali sport for many years in various capacities with the Nepal Olympic Committee, National Sports Council as Member Secretary and South Asia Games Federation. Rana was involved in several sports, too, notably taekwondo, athletics and football.
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba paid tribute to Rana at his residence. Deuba garlanded and draped Rana's body with the party flag.