Former National-Level Badminton Player Anil Bhagawati Passes Away at 88; Sivasagar Sports Fraternity Mourns : Represented Assam at National-Level Tournaments Several Times, Bringing Laurels to the State : Former Senior ONGC Officer Made Significant Contributions to Sports, Cultural and Social Life in Sivasagar
Served as Secretary of Cricket Division of Sivasagar Sports Association and as Founding President of ‘Jangam’
Sivasagar, September 23 : Sivasagar’s sports fraternity is mourning the demise of former national-level badminton player and retired senior ONGC officer Anil Bhagawati, who passed away at his residence. He was 88.
A respected figure in Sivasagar’s sporting, cultural and social circles, Bhagawati had remained closely associated with several organisations over the years. News of his demise has evoked widespread grief among sportspersons, sports organisers, social workers and his well-wishers across Sivasagar.
Represented Assam on the National Stage
An accomplished badminton player of his time, Anil Bhagawati represented the Assam team at national-level competitions on several occasions. Through his sporting talent and performances, he brought recognition and laurels to the state.
Known for his tactical approach and skill on the badminton court, Bhagawati earned admiration among sports enthusiasts. His association with badminton went far beyond his competitive career, as he continued to remain closely connected with the development of sports in Sivasagar even after his playing days.
Significant Contribution to Sivasagar’s Sporting Life
Bhagawati played an important role in various sports, cultural and social organisations of Sivasagar. His contribution was not confined to badminton alone.
He also served as Secretary of the Cricket Division of the Sivasagar Sports Association, contributing to the promotion and organisation of sporting activities in the district.
Bhagawati was also associated with ‘Jangam’, a sports, cultural and social organisation of Sivasagar, as its president since its inception. Through his leadership, he played a significant role in helping the organisation grow and carry forward its activities.
His long association with these institutions earned him recognition not only as a distinguished sportsperson but also as an experienced sports organiser.
A Former Senior Officer of ONGC
Alongside his achievements in sports, Bhagawati had a distinguished professional career. He served as a senior officer of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) before his retirement.
Despite his professional responsibilities, he maintained his connection with sports and community activities and continued to contribute to various institutions in Sivasagar.
His multifaceted role as a national-level sportsperson, sports organiser, social and cultural personality, and former senior ONGC officer gave him a distinctive place in Sivasagar’s public life.
Survived by Wife, Son and Family Members
Bhagawati is survived by his wife, son, daughter-in-law, grandchild and several relatives, besides a large number of admirers and well-wishers.
His passing is being mourned as a significant loss to Sivasagar’s sporting and social fraternity, where he remained a respected and familiar figure for decades.
Sports and Social Organisations Pay Tribute
Following the news of his demise, representatives of various sports and social organisations, along with friends and well-wishers, visited his residence to pay their respects and extend condolences to the bereaved family.
Members and representatives associated with the Sivasagar Sports Association, Jangam Club and Sivasagar Badminton Coaching, along with Shankar Agarwala, Ponaram Mili, Haren Duarah, Anil Acharya and Rituraj Chetia, visited the residence and paid tribute to the departed sportsperson. They also conveyed their heartfelt condolences to his family.
Pabitra Borthakur of the Sivasagar Badminton Club also expressed profound grief over Bhagawati’s demise and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.
With the passing of Anil Bhagawati, Sivasagar has lost not only a former national-level badminton player but also a multifaceted personality who remained deeply involved in the region’s sporting, cultural and social life for decades.
