One of the finest sports administrators, Haresh Sangtani no more

One of the finest sports administrators, Haresh Sangtani no more Gandhidham-based GSTTA secretary succumbs to cancer

Gandhidham, June 29: Haresh Sangtani, one of the prominent sports administrators of Gujarat, died on Tuesday (29 June) morning at his residence in Gandhidham. The honorary secretary of Gujarat State Table Tennis Association (GSTTA) Sangtani, breathed his last at 8:15 am, losing a battle against cancer. He is survived by wife, son and daughter. He was 61. His son Kushal, performed the last rites.
Fondly known as Harshi in the TT fraternity, Sangtani was an active player reaching semifinal in state major ranking tournaments. He was also instrumental in Kandla Port Trust team’s phenomenal semi-final-finish in the Inter-Institution championship in 1985-86.
Sangtani entered GSTTA in 2004. Under the guidance of GSTTA president Vipul Mittra, IAS, Sangtani changed the complexion of the game, emphasising on infrastructure facilities for players. He was a key figure in GSTTA’s successful organisation of Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2015 in Surat and The ITTF–ATTU Asian Cup 2017 in Ahmedabad. In the past, Sangtani has also served in the national body – Table Tennis Federation of India – as Vice-President and Joint Secretary. He was also an international referee.
GSTTA president Mittra, IAS, termed it as a big loss Gujarat sports. “Haresh Sangtani is no more. It is sad news for everyone who knew him, particularly a big loss for Table Tennis and the world of sports in Gujarat. His commitment, dedication and sincerity were tremendous. He created an amazing institution at Gandhidham. Our deep condolences and prayers for the departed soul. Om Shanti.”
GSTTA chairman Milind Torawane, IAS, was shocked when he heard the news. “Sangtani led the foundation of Table Tennis development in Gujarat. He was very humble and always smiling personality. May his holy soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the family members,” said Torawane.
Table Tennis Federation of India also paid tribute. Mourning his demise, president of TTFI Dushyant Chautala said, “he lost a friend and well-wisher of table tennis and, more importantly, the go-to-man in Gujarat.”
TTFI CEO Dhanraj Choudhary termed Sangtani as his dear friend and said it is always sad to lose people of his stature. “We worked together for the development of Table Tennis for more than two decades. It is difficult to believe that my dear friend is no more. We have lost a very good friend, very competent administrator and organizer and true well-wisher,” said Choudhary.
TTFI Secretary General Arun Banerji also conveyed their condolences. “No words to express my grief. I have lost a very good friend. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and Kushal,” he said.