Umar Rafique who is considered as poineer of water sports in J&K passed away on Saturday after battling a Kidney ailment.
From last few days his condition had deteriorated and he was put on ventilator at SKIMS where he breathed his last on Saturday.
Umar Rafique is known as persons who brought water sports to J&K and run it’s affairs for decades.
He was employee of Department of Youth Services and Sports where he retired as District Officer.
Sports Fraternity has consoled his demise and termed it a big loss for the water sports.
“I may had differences with him but the fact is that it was Umar sahab who brought water sports to Kashmir. If he wouldn’t have been their I may also not been associated with the water sports,”said Bilquis Mir.