The nation’s sports fraternity mourns the sudden loss of Zaki Ahmed Ripon, a familiar and cherished figure in Bangladesh’s sporting circles. Ripon passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Thursday morning. His passing was confirmed by his longtime friend Shahid Ullah Dolon and several officials associated with Abahani Club.
Ripon’s association with Abahani Club and hockey spanned nearly four decades. While he once represented Abahani as a player, his lasting legacy stems from his tenure as manager of the Abahani hockey team, where he oversaw the team’s development for over twenty years. He also served as Secretary of the Abahani Hockey Committee, playing a pivotal role in shaping the club’s hockey programme.
His influence extended beyond club level. Ripon was an active member of the Bangladesh Hockey Federation, serving multiple terms on its committee and previously holding the position of Vice-President in an elected committee. Additionally, he was a member of the Bangladesh Olympic Association, cementing his reputation as a devoted organiser and promoter of hockey in the country. Many players credit their rise to the national stage to Ripon’s guidance and mentorship.
Ripon shared a deep friendship with former Abahani player and current hockey federation committee member Shahid Ullah Dolon. Dolon expressed profound grief at Ripon’s sudden demise:
“A short while ago, Harun, a former Abahani player and coach, informed me that Ripon had suffered a heart attack at home. Ripon was my childhood friend and dedicated his entire life to Abahani Club and hockey. So many memories, so many moments… among our contemporaries, I am now the only one left in the country—Jumman, Pushkin, Rahmat have all passed, and Asir (our goalkeeper) is abroad.”
Ripon, aged 60, recently celebrated the marriage of one of his two daughters. He leaves behind his wife, daughters, and a wide circle of admirers within the sports community. His untimely passing has cast a shadow of grief over Abahani Club and the national hockey scene. Former players, organisers, and various sports organisations have expressed their condolences. The club will announce the arrangements for Ripon’s funeral and burial following consultations with his family.
Summary of Ripon’s Contributions
| Area | Role / Contribution | Duration / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abahani Club | Player | Early career |
| Abahani Hockey Team | Manager | 20+ years |
| Abahani Hockey Committee | Secretary | Several terms |
| Bangladesh Hockey Federation | Committee Member & Vice-President | Multiple terms |
| Bangladesh Olympic Association | Member | Past committee member |
| Mentorship | Guided emerging hockey players | National recognition for player development |
Ripon’s unwavering dedication to Abahani and hockey has left an indelible mark on the sporting landscape of Bangladesh, and his memory will be cherished by generations of athletes and fans alike.