New Delhi: Harish Sharma, the Chief Executive Officer of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), passed away on Friday, February 10. He was 53 years old.

The BFI mourns his death and pays condolences to Sharma’s family and close friends. His influence on the game of basketball in India will be irreplaceable. Sharma was a dynamic leader and a visionary who lived for the game of basketball, helping it reach newer heights in India and securing a better future for the game after forming BFI’s relationship with IMG-Reliance during his tenure.

Born on December 28th, 1958, Sharma was also a former basketball player and represented the Indian National Basketball team in the 70s. He was appointed as Secretary-General of the BFI 11 years ago and has served as BFI’s CEO for one year. Sharma was also the Secretary-General of FIBA Middle-Asia Zone and the Secretary of the Delhi Basketball Association.

Sharma’s demise will be gravely mourned by basketball players, coaches, fans, and those who have worked closely with him over the years.

Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) condoled the death of Harish Sharma, calling it a irreparable loss to the sports in the country. Harish Sharma, who died here last night after brief illness, is survived by a wife and two daughters, was cremated this afternoon.  A large number of sportspersons and administrators were present at the cremation.

In his condolence message IOA Acting President Prof. Vijay Kumar Malhotra said in Harish’s untimely death, Indian sports particularly Basketball has lost a great administrator.

“He was a gentleman to the core, who never spoke ill of any body. His main ambition was to raise the level of the Indian Basketball”