Arjuna awardee and ace para-badminton player Ramesh Tikaram died of coronavirus in a hospital in Bengaluru. The 51-year old was admitted in a private hospital with fever and cough on June 29. The player is survived by wife and two children. Tikaram was instrumental in bringing the international para-badminton tournament to the country in 2001.
"Very sad to hear the news of the tragic demise of former para-badminton player Ramesh Tikaram. I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers," Rijiju said in a tweet."He was given the Arjuna Award in the year 2002. Tikaram ji, who brought laurels to the country, lost the battle to coronavirus," he added.