Surrey Stars players raise aloft the Jayden Memorial Cup, the team beat Rewa 3-0 in the final at the Bear Creek Park in Surrey
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Local Sports
FIJIAN football’s most distinguished administrator for well over half a century has died.
Praveen Adrakar, 75, passed away peacefully at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster.
Adrakar had served at all levels of football administration.
His unerring leadership and contributions to the sport will forever remain unparalleled.
Longtime friend and former footballer, Sylvester Joseph said the news of Parveen’s passing away has saddened every level of the footballing spectrum.
“The Fiji football community has lost a great football administrator who was admired by everyone who knew him,” said Joseph.
“Football has lost a true gentleman and a fantastic ambassador.”
Executive position
Praveen had been on the executive board of Fiji Football Association, and was the longest serving manager for the national and the All-stars team.
He was also in charge of a number of clubs throughout his lengthy career including Tailevu/ Naitasiri, Samabula, Western Stars and Tanoa FC.
With his winning attitude,he signed some of the best footballers from around the premier leagues, the Vancouver 86ers' and the Vancouver White Caps.
He made football competitive.
Former Tailevu Naitasiri rep
Parveen was a member of Tailevu Naitasiri football team and between 1968-1972, he was a standout.
He won the 1969-B-Division Inter District championship in Labasa, and during the finals, he was rated highly by coach John Lal for his solid defensive play.
Canada migration
Parveen migrated to Canada in 1976, and with the formation of the Fiji Football Association in 1977, he joined Sangam club.And in 1979, he was in a company of elite ballers, who formed Saint Columbus club.
After a serious knee injury, was the beginning of the end of his football career and despite being young it was then that he first started life as an administrator.
Huge loss to football, Nair
“Huge loss to football,” said Fijian Soccer League president Nadraj Nair.“
Praveen and I have served on the FFA board since 1977, he was a career administrator.”Nair said Praveen’s administration skills are what separated him from others as he put the best team on the field even if it was just an exhibition game.
“There’s no second best, in it to win it, was the attitude.”