In a tragic development for Indian cricket, the father of national team batter Rinku Singh, Khanchand Singh, passed away on Friday. He breathed his last at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida, where he was undergoing intensive medical treatment. The news of his demise has brought a wave of mourning across the cricketing fraternity, while rinku Singh, who has been a vital part of the Indian T20 setup, rushed to his hometown Aligarh to attend the funeral and pay his final respects to his father.
Battle with Stage 4 Cancer
According to medical reports and family sources, Khanchand Singh had been battling Stage 4 cancer for over a year. His health condition had Notably deteriorated in recent weeks, leading to his hospitalization at Yatharth Hospital. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to the illness on Friday. Rinku Singh had often spoken about his father's health struggles in previous interactions, highlighting the emotional toll the family had been under while he continued to represent the country on the field.
Funeral Proceedings in Aligarh
The mortal remains of Khanchand Singh were brought to Aligarh on Friday evening for the final rites. A large number of local residents, family friends, and well-wishers gathered at their residence to pay their respects. Visuals from the funeral showed a grief-stricken Rinku Singh carrying his father's bier during the final journey. The cremation took place at a local crematorium in Aligarh, marked by somber atmosphere as the cricketer performed the last rituals for his father, who was the cornerstone of his early life struggles.
Official Statement from BCCI Vice President
BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla expressed his deep condolences over the passing of Khanchand Singh. Speaking to the media, Shukla noted that the news was extremely saddening and acknowledged the immense struggle Khanchand Singh faced throughout his life. He mentioned that the deceased had been unwell for a long time and that Rinku Singh is currently in a state of deep personal loss, while shukla extended the board's support to the cricketer and his family during this challenging period.
Tributes from Cricketing Legends
Former Indian cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh took to social media to express their solidarity with Rinku Singh. Yuvraj Singh stated that no words are enough in such moments and offered strength to the family. Harbhajan Singh highlighted Rinku's dedication to his professional duties even while facing such a personal crisis. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and urged the fans to support the young cricketer as he navigates through this immense personal tragedy.
Legacy of Struggle and Support
Khanchand Singh's life was defined by hard work and dedication toward his family's future. Before Rinku Singh's rise to international fame, his father worked as an LPG cylinder delivery man in Aligarh. Despite severe financial constraints, he ensured that Rinku had the necessary support to pursue cricket. Rinku has frequently credited his father's resilience as the primary motivation behind his success in the Indian Premier League and the national team. The loss marks the end of a significant chapter in the cricketer's life.