GUWAHATI, May 12 - Former international table tennis player Manmeet Singh Walia passed away at Montreal in Canada yesterday at the age of 58.
The national champion from Delhi in the year 1989 and finalist from 1981 to 1985 was a household name in the table tennis circuit during 1980s. After retiring from the sport, Manmeet shifted to Canada.
He represented the Indian team in several Asian and world level championships during 1980s.
Arjuna awardee and national champion Monalisa Baruah Mehta condoled the untimely demise. She termed the deceased player as a perfect sportsperson who helped the co-players in every aspect.
Noted Assam paddler Arunjyoti Baruah, who along with Manmeet represented India in several international tournaments, recalled Manmeet�s contribution to Indian TT. �Manmeet was a class player and contributed a lot to the national team.�
The Assam Table Tennis Association (ATTA) president Mriganka Barman, secretary Tridib Duvarah, Manmeet�s contemporary players from Assam including Gautam Hazarika, Carfew Roy, Modalasa Hazarika, among others on behalf of the ATTA condoled the death of the former national champion. They prayed to the almighty for the eternal peace of his soul.
Leading TT player of the country Kamlesh Mehta said, �He was a terrific player. We shared some amazing moments on and off the table. I think he is gone too soon, just like the way he retired too early.�
