It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of former FIH Vice-President Ashwini Kumar at the age of 94.
Kumar was Vice-President of FIH for 15 years whilst also serving as President of the Indian Hockey Federation for a 16 year period, which included leading the Indian hockey delegation at the Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968 Olympic Games.
Kumar was a huge sports fan, and in addition to his services to hockey, he was President of the Indian Basketball Federation and President of the Punjab Olympic Association for 12 years. On a personal level, he enjoyed boxing and rowing whilst he also competed in track and field at state and national levels.
His passion for sport led him into the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1973. He became a Member of the Executive Board (1980-1987, 1992-1996), Vice-President of the IOC (1983- 1987) and Member of the following Commissions: Olympic Solidarity (1980-1984), Olympic Movement (1983-1987, 1992-1996), Mass Media (1983-1989), preparation of the XII Olympic Congress – Congress of Unity (1985-1987), Radio (1983-1987) and Council of the Olympic Order (1983-1987). After 27 years, his dedication to the IOC was recognised as he became an Honorary Member of the organisation in 2000.
As well as the IOC, Kumar made his mark at the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Asian Games Federation, and was elected Life President of the Indian Olympic Association.
Away from sport, Kumar was a high-ranking policeman in India, serving for 36 years and retiring as director general of the Border Security Force in 1978. He later served as a security delegate for several Olympic Games, including Moscow in 1980.
Speaking of his death, FIH President Leandro Negre said: “Ashwini Kumar will be a huge loss to the hockey world. Our sport will always have a special place in his heart having been involved in the game for so many years, both as a player and behind the scenes. Ashwini played a significant role in the development of the sport both within India and around the world and it would certainly not be where it is today without his determination and energy. The hockey family will miss this great man and on behalf of everyone at FIH and all of our National Associations, I would like to offer our deepest sympathy to his family and close friends at this difficult time.”
