Sport lovers paid tributes to Padamshree Jhaman Lal Sharma

Lucknow, Aug 27 (UNI) The last rites of former Olympian Padamshree Jhaman Lal Sharma was performed here today at the banks of Gomti river.

His only son Deepak Sharma, a senior journalist with Aaj Tak, lit the pyre with chanting of vaidik mantras. Sharma died in the state capital city yesterday morning following a brain haemorrhage.

A number of sport personalities, including former stars, were present at the cremation ground to pay their last tributes to the departed soul.

Principal secretary, secondary education Pankaj Agarwal condoled Sharma's death saying '' It was my personal loss in the death of Mr Sharma, as he was a very good freind of mine and sports fraternity lost a champion.'' While former national players like Syed Ali, Rajnish Misra said that they learnt a lot from him, he was very tough on the field, while off the field he was a very gentle human being.

Recalling his half century old association with Sharma, former India star Ajay Arora said, '' he never compromise with the playing conditions.'' On the condition of not to disclose name, one of the former Indian player said Sharma was very much annoyed with the working of the present selection committee, which cancelled the list of players selected earlier under pressure from higher ups and announced the second list a few days later.

Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association general secretary Anandeshar pandey said ''we lost an able administrator and positive thinking man with the death of Mr Sharma.'' UNI