The family of Ubayd Haider, a respected boxer from Fiji, is now seeking clarity following his tragic death after a boxing match on October 26. Born Nathan Singh, Haider succumbed to complications after being in a coma for 16 days and undergoing brain surgery at Lautoka’s Aspen Hospital.
His father, Gyan Singh, who is also a veteran boxing trainer, expressed the family’s devastation over this loss, emphasizing the urgency for answers regarding the events leading up to his son’s passing. “We need answers on what happened,” he remarked, reflecting the emotional toll this has taken on their family.
Haider, only 25 years old, was a promising talent in the boxing arena but experienced a serious injury during his bout against China’s Runqi Zhou, in which he lost by technical knockout in the ninth round. After collapsing on his way to the changing room, he was rushed to local hospitals for emergency care. The Boxing Commission of Fiji has regulations mandating that a stretcher be available ringside, making the circumstances of his injury even more concerning for the family and the community.
In a heartfelt message, his wife, Helen Margaret Singh, shared memories of their life together and the joy of raising their two sons, expressing gratitude for the time they had as a family. She mourned the loss profoundly, stating, “Thank you for loving me and for the incredible memories we shared.”
In response to the incident, the Government of Fiji and the Boxing Commission of Fiji have initiated a Commission of Inquiry, seeking to investigate the circumstances surrounding Haider’s injury and subsequent death. The inquiry will involve questioning at least 10 individuals associated with the event as they work to uncover the truth.
The boxing community has shown support as well, with Haider’s opponent, Runqi Zhou, offering condolences and remembering him as a fighter until the very end.
A public viewing of Haider’s body is scheduled, followed by a funeral, where family and friends will come together to honor his life and legacy.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring fighter safety in sports and the need for comprehensive regulations to protect athletes in competitive environments. As the inquiry proceeds, there is hope that it will lead to better practices in boxing, ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again in the future.
In summary, while the loss of Haider is a profound tragedy, it is also an opportunity for the industry to reflect and improve athlete safety measures, fostering a sport where talent can thrive without compromising health and well-being.
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