Abdur Razzak, who was popularly known as Sona Miah, in the sports arena, died of brain hemorrhage yesterday morning at his Lalbagh residence in the capital. He was 68.

Abdur Razzak left behind his wife, two sons and three daughters to mourn his death. His eldest son Russel Mahmud Jimmy is the current captain of the national team.

His first Namaj-e-janaza was held at Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium at 2pm and second one at Chawkbazar Shahimosque after Asr prayer. Current and former hockey players along with officials attended both janazas before laying to rest at Azimpur graveyard shortly before Magreb prayer.

This legend centre forward started his first division hockey career in favour of Azad Sporting Club in 1963 before joining Combined Sporting Club  next season. Thereafter he joined Abahani Limited in 1972 and played regularly till 1978. He also played for PWD for several years. Razzak, who was known as a robust centre forward played for Bangladesh national team against Sri Lanka at home in 1977. He was selected for Bangladesh team in 1978 to represent Bangladesh in Bangkok Asian Games. But unfortunately he was pulled out of the team due to an injury shortly before team’s departure for Thailand. He formally retired as player in 1988 from Abahani.

He also acted as national and national team coach in the 80s and after retiring from the game he became an umpire and also became a member of Bangladesh Hockey Federation.

 Probably he played his best possible game for the then East Pakistan team against the then Asian Games gold medal winning Pakistan national team in 1970. He earned appreciation from the Pakistan team for his terrific stick-work as he beat the star-studded Pakistan defence line several times but unfortunately many of his attempts were saved by Pakistan goalkeeper. After this match the media used to call him “Tiger of Bengal”.

Bangladesh Hockey Federation, Abahani Limited, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Bangladesh Sports Press Association and Bangladesh Sports Journalist Association mourned  his death and expressed their deep sympathy with the bereaved family members. They also  prayed for salvation of the departed soul.