GUWAHATI, Jan 27 � Veteran sports organizer Nripendra Narayan Singha, Nripenda for all, died at his Jorhat�s residence this morning due to old age ailment. The octogenarian (86 years) sports organizers was the direct descendant of the last Ahom King Purandar Singha.
Born in 1925, Nripenda was treated as a true guardian of Assam sports for several decades, till he retired as adviser of the State Sports Council, Assam (SSCA) in 1998. Singha was a first class football referee and was the first referee from Assam to officiate the final match of the Santosh Trophy in the year 1964 between Railways and Bengal. He was the chairman of the Assam Football Association�s (AFA) referee board for several years from 1956. He also adorned the AFA secretary�s post from 1979 to 1984.
Nripenda was instrumental in setting up the SSCA and served the organization as joint secretary from 1960 to 1990. During that period Assam was a leading force in the All India Rural Games from which several international star sportspersons emerged. Assam also produced numerous national stars during Nripenda�s tenure.
Loved and respected for his amicable disposition and dedication for the cause of State sports, Nripenda was a confirmed bachelor. He passed the most valuable period of his life here and offered his service to the State by organizing various sporting activities.
His death has been largely mourned by the sporting fraternity of the State. Assam Olympic Association secretary and State TT body president Rokibul Hussain, secretary Tridib Duvarah, AFA secretary Ankur Dutta, Assam Cricket Association, Veterans Cricket Association, Assam, State sepak takraw association, State kabaddi body, Guwahati Sports Association, Assam Badminton Association along with several individuals and organizations mourned the death of the veteran sports organizer.
