“Mr Singh was a dedicated husband, father and community worker,” Fiji FA chief executive officer Bob Kumar says. “He gave many years of his valuable life and service for the youth of this country.”
A life member of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC), Mr Singh became involved in football administration firstly as president of the Combines Brothers Club and then the Suva Soccer Association.
He eventually took the reins of the Fiji FA for a two-year spell as president from 1983.
Significantly, his stint in charge of the national association saw the introduction of changes to its administrative section, which led to the formation of a more structured and accountable administration to take care of football in Fiji.
By the end of his presidency, Fiji FA had secured a home base and his initiatives had resulted in the association moving in an exciting new direction.
CEO Kumar says the thoughts of everyone associated with Fiji FA are with Mr Singh’s friends and family during this difficult period.
“We pray to the almighty to give courage and strength in this time of grief to Hari Pal Singh’s family,” he says.
Hari Pal Singh’s service to Fiji sport
1979: Chef de Mission, Team Fiji, 1979 South Pacific Games, Fiji
1970s – 80s: FASANOC Executive Board Member and Vice-President
1983 – 1985: Fiji FA President
1985 – 1986: FASANOC President
In recognition of his contributions, Mr Singh was later made a life member of FASANOC.
His services to FASANOC were further acknowledged in 2009 when, as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, Mr Singh was one of 60 sporting personalities to be awarded a diploma for their significant contribution to FASANOC over the years.