Former Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Football Association, Bob Kumar has passed away today at the age of 82.
Fiji FA President Rajesh Patel led the tributes, describing Mr. Kumar as a “father figure” and a pillar of Fijian football.
“Today, Fiji Football has lost not only a great administrator but also a father figure who dedicated his life to the sport,” Patel said.
“His contribution is immeasurable, and his passion and humility will forever inspire us.”
Mr. Kumar’s career in football spanned over 45 years, beginning as a player for Nadi and Suva, and later transitioning into football administration in 1987.
Rising from a volunteer to secretary, and eventually being appointed CEO in 2003, he served in the top role until 2017, becoming one of Fiji’s longest-serving and most respected sports administrators.
Under Mr. Kumar’s leadership, Fiji Football achieved some of its proudest milestones.
He was at the helm when Fiji’s U-20 team qualified for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, a historic first, and also during the national team’s Olympic debut at Rio 2016.
A strong advocate for grassroots development, Mr. Kumar oversaw the creation of football academies in Suva, Ba, and Labasa, and played a key role in the construction of the Fiji FA headquarters in Vatuwaqa, with assistance from FIFA.
Mr Kumar was a career civil servant in the Ministry of Finance.