Former player and manager of the Abahani hockey team, Zaki Ahmed Ripon, has passed away. He died suddenly at his home on Thursday morning. His long-time friend Shahid Ullah Dolon and people from Abahani Limited Dhaka confirmed the news.
Ripon was a familiar name in Bangladesh sports. He stayed close to Abahani and hockey for nearly 40 years. He once played for the club. Later, he became known as the manager of the Abahani hockey team. He worked with the team for more than 20 years. He also served as the secretary of the club’s hockey committee.
He also worked with national sports bodies. He held roles in the Bangladesh Hockey Federation many times. He was the vice president in the last committee. He was also a member of the previous committee of the Bangladesh Olympic Association. Still, most people knew him as a true hockey worker. Many players came through his support.
Ripon shared a strong bond with Shahidullah Dolon. Dolon is a former Abahani player and now a member of the hockey federation. He was deeply shocked by the news. He said,
“Just a while ago, Harun told me Ripon died at home from a heart attack. He was my childhood friend. He spent his whole life with Abahani and hockey. So many memories. Among our group, I am now the only one alive in the country. Jumman, Pushkin, Rahmat are all gone. Asir is abroad.”
Ripon was over 60. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters. His sudden death has brought sadness to Abahani and the hockey community. Many former players and organizers have shared their grief.
Abahani will announce funeral details after speaking with his family.
