New Delhi, July 17: Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has offered condolences on the tragic demise of former para-badminton player Ramesh Tikaram who died with COVID-19. He was 51.

Tikaram, country's first para-badminton player to be honoured with the prestigious Arjuna award, passed away on Thursday at a private hospital in Bengaluru after battling with COVID-19 for more than two weeks.

"Very sad to hear the news of the tragic demise of former para-badminton player Ramesh Tikaram. I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers," Rijiju said in a tweet.

"He was given the Arjuna Award in the year 2002. Tikaram ji, who brought laurels to the country, lost the battle to coronavirus," he added.

Tikaram is survived by wife and two children.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2020 10:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).