Quiet please! Ref Sudhakar leaves badminton court
Covid claims renowned official
Renowned badminton official Sudhakar Vemuri passed away in Hyderabad on Tuesday morning while being treated for Covid-19. He was 71 and left behind his wife and two daughters.
Sudhakar umpired at three consecutive Olympics — Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, only Asian to do so.
The respected umpire also officiated in several tournaments including two Asian Games in 1982 (New Delhi) and 1994 (Hiroshima, Japan), one Special Olympics in 1995 (Connecticut, USA), Thomas and Uber Cups, Sudirman Cups and World Championships, and many other national and international tournaments in India and across the world.
After retiring as an umpire in 2004, he became a referee and later a Course Conductor and Assessor.
He was the deputy chairman of Badminton Asia’s Technical Officials Committee till he breathed his last.
He is also the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Dr Ramineni Foundation Award in USA.
Born on December 1, 1949 in Hyderabad, Sudhakar did his schooling from Methodist Boys High School, graduation at Nizam College and completed his Master’s degree from Osmania University before working for the Food Corporation of India, Syndicate Bank and Airtel.
Sudhakar entered the field of badminton in 1976 as a Line Judge in the Asian Championships held in Hyderabad. He became a State Umpire in 1980, National Umpire Grade II in 1982 and Grade I in 1984 by securing 99%, the highest mark.
Subsequently, he became a Badminton Asia Certificated Umpire and International Badminton Federation (IBF) Accredited Umpire in 1988 before graduating to the IBF Certificated Umpire (the highest level in international umpiring) at the World Championships in
A colossal figure in the badminton circuit in Hyderabad, he passed on his wisdom to several upcoming players and officials. He
leaves an unparalleled legacy of integrity, honesty and commitment to
badminton, and will remain irreplaceable in the hearts of those who
knew and loved him. — PULLELA GOPICHAND
National badminton coach
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I am shocked to hear that Shri Sudhakar Vemuri sir,
international badminton umpire, has passed away. I extend my deepest condolences to his family.
— P. V. SINDHU Badminton world champion
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Really sad to hear about Vemuri Sudhakar sir. My condolences to his family. An irreparable loss to badminton. He trained many officials and players to be perfect and I personally have learnt a lot
from you sir. You will always be in our heart.
— N. SIKKI REDDY Badminton doubles player
Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1991.
“He was an excellent teacher for the Technical Officials of India and Asia. Badminton Association of Telangana (BAT) conveys its deepest condolences to his bereaved family,” BAT president K. Taraka Rama Rao (KTR) and officials stated in a press release.
The Badminton Association of India too mourned Sudhakar’s demise. “The sport has also lost one of its biggest emissaries,” it said.
“We thank him for all that he has achieved with Badminton Asia. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace,” Badminton Asia stated.
“Deeply saddened. He was a person with high umpiring standards and a great guide to Indian badminton,” said Jagan Mohan Rao Arishnapally, Handball Federation of India president.