Incredible sadness and a permeating sense of loss accompanies us each day since the news of the sudden passing, on Friday, of our good friend, Gokarn Ramdhani, who single handedly took Guyana to the world stage in badminton.

It was only a few months ago when Ramdhani, as head of the Guyana Badminton Association, partnered with Guyana Golf/Nexgen Golf Academy to expose dozens of children to the joys of air badminton, an experience they will not soon forget.

Leading by example, Ramdhani taught his children and our nation how to excel in sports despite adversities such as lack of access to funding and training facilities. The successes at badminton by the Ramdhani family in Guyana, Canada and around the world show that determination will triumph in any circumstance.

“We at Guyana Golf and Nexgen Golf Academy join his family, friends and thousands of people who were touched by Gokarn as a person, father, friend, coach and mentor as we mourn the loss of a man who we can all agree was taken far too soon” .

“Let us use his strength, manner of leadership and professionalism, examples of overcoming challenges to shape our lives and the future of sports in our country”.

“Gokarn Ramdhani will be missed by many but mostly by those who will not be able to learn directly from him. We look to his wife and children to fulfil his legacy as they struggle to cope with his absence”.