Srinagar, March 2: Muhammad Yusuf, one of Kashmir’s famous sports personalities, passed awayearly Wednesday at his Hyderpora, Srinagar residence after brief illness. Widely known as the man behind the spirit and success story of winter sports in Kashmir, several of his close associates and social organizations paid tributes to Mr Yusuf.
Chairman Nigeen Tourist Traders Association (NTTA) & President Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) Manzoor Ahmad Wangnoo, while expressing his deep condolences at the sad demise of Muhammad Yousuf sahib, said that the deceased rendered substantial contributions in the field of tourism, especially in adventure tourism.
“He was an extraordinary and legendary sportsman besides being a great adventure professional. and his services in the field of adventure sports will be remembered forever, he added. Mr Manzoor Wangnoo stated that Late Muhammad Yousuf rendered great services towards the environment and has lead many eco initiatives”, he added.
In the statement, NTTA & NLCO prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace and courage and strength to the bereaved family to bear this loss.
Rauf Tramboo, one of Kashmir’s known adventure tourism figures, while paying tributes to Mr Yusuf said, “With heavy heart and with very sad feelings this is to inform my friends and all about the sad demise of Muhammad Yusuf Saheb who left for heavenly abode early this morning after a brief illness, I have lost my great friend, my teacher and fellow adventurer. I pray to Allmighty Allah for his eternal peace and highest place in Jannah.”
Author and former deputy director of Information Department, J&K, Khalid Bashir Ahmed wrote on his social media wall, “Deeply shocked to know about the sad demise of my friend, school and college-mate, an ace winter sportsman, an athlete who made his name in the field and was a mentor and guide to umpteen budding winter sportspersons. A warm and loving person who will be missed by countless of his friends and admirers within and outside Kashmir”.
Veteran environmentalist Bhushan Parimoo while paying his tributes to the departing soul wrote, “Shocking we lost a man of grit and determination, whose heart always throbbed for the promotion of sports, and with it furtherance of tourism industry. I lost in him a friend and well wisher. The vaccum created due to his departure for final destiny is hard to fill. The news pained me. I pray to Almighty for peace to the departed soul and give him family, friends and knows strength to bear this loss”.
