Former Indian Basketball Captain Hari Dutt Kapri Passes Away Recently at Age 83.

Obituary

In April 2025, former Indian basketball team captain Hari Dutt Kapri passed away recently at the age of 83 in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Born in 1942 in Chiiriyakhan village of the Muwani area in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, he was a celebrated figure in Indian sports history.


      - He was honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1969, one of India’s highest accolades for excellence in sports, recognising his significant contributions to basketball.

      - Hari Dutt Kapri led the Indian basketball team during its golden era from 1965 to 1978. Under his leadership, the national team climbed from the 7th to 4th position in Asia in 1969, showcasing a remarkable leap in international performance.

     

Main Point :-   (i) After retiring from active sports, Kapri served in the Uttarakhand Police. He also played a key role in nurturing young talent by working as a basketball coach and trainer, greatly impacting grassroots sports development in Uttarakhand.

      (ii) In recognition of his lifelong dedication to basketball, the Uttarakhand Government honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring legacy in the sport.


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