KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian hockey fraternity mourns the loss of a true gem today as esteemed journalist Jugjet Singh Randhawa passed away at Beacon Hospital, Petaling Jaya, around 3pm.
Jugjet, who served with the New Straits Times, was synonymous with international hockey reports and bravely battled colon cancer.
His last contribution to Malaysian hockey was during the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup, held in Kuala Lumpur last December.
Jugjet, aged 56, left behind his wife Jasbir Kaur Aujla and four sons – Arvin, Sanjit, Ranjit, and Baljit.
Speaking to Scoop, Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) president Ismadi Manap extended his deepest condolences on Jugjet’s passing.
For Ismadi, Jugjet’s contributions to the local sports scene – spanning over three decades since 1994 – are invaluable.
The late journalist was a repository of various information, particularly concerning hockey.
It is known that several notable figures, including Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, paid visits to Jugjet before his passing today.
“Jugjet is a well-known figure in the Malaysian hockey community; from management and players to fellow journalists, his influence was profound.
“He possessed a calm demeanour and a genuine dedication to hockey. Approachable and experienced, he often shared anecdotes and insights with fellow journalists covering the sport.
“Moreover, he played a pivotal role in mentoring newcomers to the field, including myself, providing invaluable guidance on the intricacies of Malaysian hockey.
“His essence was inseparable from the sport; he was akin to a walking library owing to his extensive knowledge of hockey.
“His absence will be keenly felt within the local hockey community,” remarked Ismadi.
The late Jugjet is scheduled to be cremated tomorrow at the Jalan Loke Yew crematorium at around 3pm. – March 14, 2024