International Kabaddi Federation’s (IKF) founder and president Janardan Singh Gehlot, 77, passed away after a prolonged illness in Jaipur on Wednesday. Gehlot, who served the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) as its president for 28 years till 2013, was also the current vice president of the Indian Olympic Association.

India’s 2007 World Cup-winning captain Pankaj Shirsat paid tribute to the veteran kabaddi administrator, saying it won’t be easy for others to emulate his good work. 
“Gehlot’s contribution to international kabaddi was immense. In his absence, it will be a big challenge for the others to maintain the level of efficiency,” Shirsat told mid-day on Wednesday. At the national level too, Gehlot did a lot, said Shirsat. “After [Sharad] Pawar [AKFI’s founder president], who initiated things, it is Gehlot, who worked very hard for the betterment of the sport in India,” Shirsat added.