Breaking: Executive Director of Bird Group - Ankur Bhatia & Former Indian Hockey player Usman Khan passes away

Left: Former Indian Hockey Player Usman Khan. Right: Ankur Bhatia, Bird Group's Executive Director

This day, Friday (4th June) has snatched away two more renowned personalities of India. We at the Su-Niti News pay our heartfelt condolences on the demise of both dignitaries.

• Former Indian Hockey player Usman Khan passed away at the age of 76 in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh after a prolonged battle against cancer.

The former hockey player is survived by three sons and a daughter.

• A retired Assistant Commissioner of Customs, Chennai, Usman was a stylish left-winger. He played hockey at the Madrasi Azam Ground before he shifted to Kolkata and joined the Customs.

Extending condolences to Usman Khan's family, Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam said, "We are deeply saddened to learn about the demise of former India player Usman Khan."

• "He is remembered for his excellent abilities as a left-winger and was a very stylish player in those times. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend our deepest condolences to his family in this moment of grief," he added.

In Kolkata, Usman Khan played for the Calcutta Customs and also represented Bengal in the National Hockey Championships for several years.

• Executive Director of Bird Group – Ankur Bhatia passed away due to a massive cardiac arrest at an age of 48.

Ankur made it big in the hospitality industry with Bird Hospitality Services and set up the Roseate Hotels & Resorts which owns and operates luxury properties in India and the UK.

• Known for his impeccable skill set and vision in the hospitality sector, Ankur was someone who redefined luxury with Roseate Hotels.

Born in 1973, Ankur studied at Modern School, Vasant Vihar, and graduated from King's College, University of London with a degree in Computer Science. In 2017, he established BirdApps, an on-demand marketplace for the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industry.

On his sudden demise, the Hotel Association of India issued a message of condolence, which says, “We at Hotel Association of India are extremely saddened by the unfortunate and untimely passing away of Ankur Bhatia. An Industry stalwart, Ankur made a huge contribution to tourism and hospitality. A young, promising, dynamic leader, Ankur was a good human being, a friend and mentor to many in the Industry. We pray that God grants much courage to his family in this extremely difficult hour. Ankur will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Rest in eternal peace dear Ankur.”