Najeeb Ismail Russel, Bangladesh's first international badminton umpire, died in Guwahati, Assam where he was officiating the Yonex Sunrise Guwahati Masters--2024.

A panel umpire of the World Badminton Federation and an executive member of Bangladesh Badminton Federation (BBF), Najeeb was found dead in his hotel room early on Saturday, confirmed a press release from BBF. He had suffered a heart attack, according to the press release.

The 52-year-old umpire was a popular face in Bangladesh's badminton scene and travelled abroad regularly to conduct tournaments in different countries. He was also very efficient in coordinating various affairs of local and international badminton.

The revered badminton umpire left behind his wife, two daughters and a host of well-wishers behind.