Hundreds of mourners came together at the FMF Gymnasium in Suva to pay their respects to Ubayd Haider, Fiji’s super feather-weight and light-weight boxing champion, who passed away late Sunday night after spending more than two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit at Lautoka Aspen Hospital.
The emotional service drew a diverse crowd, including Fiji’s Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Lenora Qereqeretabua, former Minister for Agriculture Dr. Mahendra Reddy, the CEO of the Fiji Football Association Mohammed Yusuf, and several directors from the Boxing Commission of Fiji, led by Adi Narayan. Also in attendance were family members, friends, and fellow boxers who came to honor the memory of a sportsperson who made significant contributions to boxing in Fiji.
Haider, born Nathan Singh, collapsed after his fight against Australia’s Runqi Zhou for the IBO Asia Pacific Super Featherweight title on October 26. His brother, Sebastian Singh, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and highlighted that Haider battled illness leading up to the fight, mentioning that he had requested to be excused but was persuaded to fight.
Condolences poured in from across the world, including heartfelt messages from individuals like Mohammed Shameem, a director of South Pacific Boxing Promotions, who remembered Haider for his kindness and contributions to boxing. Former sporting icon Sonny Bill Williams also extended his sympathies from Australia, reinforcing the impact Haider had on the boxing community.
Jese Saukuru assured the Singh family that the ministry would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Haider’s passing, emphasizing a commitment to uncover the truth.
Haider was laid to rest at Raralevu Cemetery in Tailevu, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved figure in Fijian sports.
In this moment of mourning, the community’s support and shared memories serve as a reminder of Ubayd Haider’s resilience, spirit, and the unity within the boxing fraternity. This tragic event has elevated awareness around athlete health and safety in the sport, and the potential for positive change to prevent similar situations in the future.
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