FIJI has lost one of its best lawn tennis players, Hamidan Bibi.
The former Fiji and South Pacific No.1 died at her family residence in Ba on the weekend after a long illness.
Tennis Fiji secretary Sachin Reddy said Bibi, formerly of Suva Lawn Tennis Club, had left behind a challenge for young tennis players to follow.
“It is a big loss to our tennis community,” Reddy said.
“She was one of the most inspirational players that Fiji had produced in tennis. She was an example of hard work, sacrifice and dedication seeing the level she reached in her career.
“She is among the few to play in the Fed Cup from 1999 to 2000 and represented Fiji in most international matches including the South Pacific Games.
“She has left behind a vacuum in Fiji knowing the calibre of player she was, what she did for the promotion of tennis in Fiji.
“She was always smiling and always encourage other players.
“She will be sorely missed and our condolences are with her family during this difficult time.”
Former Fiji rep Bobby Tikaram said Bibi, who was also the chairperson of the Women In Sports Commission, was a rare tennis gem.
“A beautiful and wonderful woman who was always ready to help,” Tikaram said.
“Besides being a top tennis player and having represented Fiji in the South Pacific Games, she was also a top sports administrator and a true leader in her own field. Her passing away has a left a huge vacuum in Fiji’s sporting fraternity. Our deepest condolence to Bibi’s family members and may her soul rest in peace.”
FASANOC chief executive officer and general secretary Lorraine Mar said Bibi was a role model to Fijian female athletes and sports administrators.
“FASANOC is very saddened at the passing of Hamidan Bibi,” Mar said.
“She has been a very valued member of the FASANOC Women in Sports Commission (WISC) and had served as Chair from 2017.
“Hamidan was a role model in more ways than one. As a tennis champion, she was an inspiration for girls and women. As a sports administrator, she was an advocate for good governance, gender equity, sport as a fundamental human right and the prevention of gender based violence.
“Hamidan was a firm believer of sport as an enabler and as Chair of WISC leaves the legacy for those following in her footsteps that sport is more than just a game.
“Hamidan is also the perfect example of an athlete giving back to sport in the pathway she took after her competitive playing days.”
She served on Tennis Fiji executive committee for many years. Prior to coming on board the FASANOC WISC, Bibi was an active member of FASANOC’s Athletes’ Commission and was the athletes representative on the FASANOC executive board 2001 – 2003.
“FASANOC sends its sincere condolences to Hamidan’s family in Ba.”