New Delhi, April 17 (NationPress) The World Squash Federation has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of its former president and first honorary life member, Narayana Ramachandran, who departed at the age of 77 following a prolonged illness.

The cremation ceremony for Ramachandran is scheduled for Friday at the Beasant Nagar crematorium in Chennai.

Having served as the WSF President from 2008 to 2016, he was the first Indian to helm an IOC-recognized international federation. Additionally, he held the presidency of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 2014 to 2017, during which he successfully led the IOA to Olympic reinstatement after a 14-month ban from the IOC.

World Squash president Zena Wooldridge remarked, "Rami’s unwavering commitment and influence on squash have been extraordinary over the past 25 years. His legacy will persist in various forms, and we will cherish his memory as we prepare for the inaugural Olympic qualifying event in our sport during the Asian Games squash competition later this year, an event that Rami significantly contributed to establishing."

In his earlier capacity as president of the Asian Squash Federation (2001-2009), Ramachandran, who was the brother of former BCCI president N. Srinivasan, played a crucial role in ensuring squash was recognized as a core medal sport in the Asian Games and expanded its medal events. He also hosted and financed numerous Asian Championships in India.

As the head of World Squash, Ramachandran dedicated substantial time and personal investment into two Olympic bids, and in 2016, he received the Olympic Order (Silver) from the International Olympic Committee and an OCA Award of Merit from the Olympic Council of Asia for his exceptional contributions to these movements.

His influence extended to squash in India, where he transformed Chennai into the “Squash Capital” of the nation through his investments in the India Squash Academy and by hosting ten world championships between 2002 and 2025.

The Squash Racket Federation of India also expressed its condolences, stating, "A visionary leader who was instrumental in the development of squash both in India and worldwide. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends. May he rest in peace."

Former IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta, who collaborated with Ramachandran during his tenure, also shared his condolences regarding the passing of the former IOA chief.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of N. Ramachandran (Rami), former President of the Indian Olympic Association. I had the privilege of working beside him from 2014 to 2017 and remember him as a composed, principled leader. He brought stability and structure to the IOA during a challenging time and approached every responsibility with quiet authority and fairness," Mehta wrote on Facebook.

"His contributions to Indian sports were extensive, from his leadership in squash administration to his role in enhancing sports governance. His ability to balance discipline with approachability distinguished him. We will remember him not just for his titles but for the integrity with which he held them. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones," he added.