It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has learnt of the death of Ashwini Kumar, IOC Honorary Member in India, at the age of 94. Kumar joined the IOC in 1973 and became an Honorary Member in 2000.

He was 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).

“Ashwini Kumar had a real passion for sport and spent his whole career promoting its values at the highest level of Indian sports administration,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “It was always a pleasure working with him over so many years. His good advice and contributions were greatly valued and his high integrity was hugely appreciated,” he added.

A long-serving member of India’s police force, Mr Kumar played an active role in sport in India, particularly in hockey as President of the Indian Hockey Federation for 16 years and Vice-President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for more than 15 years. He also headed the Indian hockey delegation at the Olympic Games in 1964 and 1968. In addition, Kumar was President of the Indian Basketball Federation and President of the Punjab Olympic Association for 12 years.

Kumar left his mark at the Commonwealth Games Federation and the Asian Games Federation and was elected Life President of the Indian Olympic Association.

Kumar enjoyed playing hockey, boxing and rowing. He also competed in track and field at state and national levels.

The IOC expresses its deepest sympathies to Ashwini Kumar’s family.