The rugby fraternity of Sri Lanka was in mourning yesterday over the death of former Sri Lanka rugby forward Shyam Siddik who passed away at the age of 57, from what a family spokesman said were complications related to coronavirus.
A product of Isipathana College, Siddik played for CR and FC during the 1980s and later turned out for Kandy SC in the club season when rugby showcased some of the best players in the country.
He was a real legend of the sport and his popularity and endearing nature earned him many fans and admirers.
Siddik was a hooker and ball winner of the scrum with lightning quickness and possessed incredible strength as a regular face among the forwards who wore the Sri Lanka jersey at three Asiads the first in 1984 in Japan.
Siddik was the father of three sons and also lost his first wife.
His two brothers Shabeen and Shaifek also played for Isipathana.