Prakash Bhandari – RIP 🙏

" __Lives of great men all remind us,
That we must make ours sublime,
And, departing leave behind us,
Footprints on the sands of time"_

It is with heavy hearts that these words are being penned to remember and honour the extraordinary life of Mr. Prakash Bhandari, who left us on 19th November at the remarkable age of 89 years and nearly 12 months. His was a life lived with grace, dignity, and quiet brilliance.

Many knew Prakash-ji as a distinguished sportsman — a man who had the rare honour of representing India in Test cricket. His name was etched into the nation’s sporting history through his skill, discipline, and the pride with which he wore India’s colours.

In later years, his love for sport did not diminish; it simply evolved. He became an avid golfer, bringing to the greens the same calm focus and understated excellence that had defined his cricketing days.

Mr Prakash Bhandari was more than just a sportsman; he was the embodiment of the true spirit of the games he loved.

His passing yesterday, just before his 90th birthday, leaves an unfillable void for so many of us whose lives he touched—as a competitor, mentor, and above all, as a dear friend.

A pioneering right-handed batsman and shrewd off break bowler, Prakash was Delhi's first Test cricketer to don the Indian cap, a feat that brought pride to the city and inspiration to younger generations.

His exploits on the cricket field are legendary: recording the fastest hundred in Indian first-class cricket at the time, taking a double hundred and nine wickets in the same Ranji Trophy match —demonstrations of his rare all-round brilliance and relentless drive.

Even after he hung up his cricket spikes, he continued to inspire, always willing to share his sharp cricketing mind with those who sought his counsel.

Yet, for those who knew Prakash off the pitch, it was his gentleness, humility, and genial kindness that shone brightest. He was ever soft-spoken and unfailingly courteous, always gracious in both victory and defeat.

In both bridge and in golf, he was fiercely competitive but never without sportsmanship—a true gentleman, admired by all for the warmth and soft strength of his presence. After stowing his cricket gear, Bridge became his new arena, and in it too he thrived, earning respect for both his keen intellect and his generous spirit, alternating between the bridge table and the golf course, encouraging everyone around him with his enthusiasm.

Even in his later years, as health challenges arose, his love for sport never dimmed. It is difficult to imagine today's Delhi Gymkhana tournament commencing without his grace, wisdom, and the quiet confidence he brought to every table or the fairway and green.

The words above were put together by a couple of players in Delhi. We now present a few words of tribute from some people including yours truly.

Mr Prakash Bhandari will not play one more bridge hand, nor another round of golf. And his life that left such a wonderful impression on those who knew him, leaves behind a void that is impossible to fill. For he was a once in a generation person, someone who excelled at what ever he set his heart into, and yet never let it affect his humane nature. How I wish now that I had an opportunity to partner him at least once, something i had often wanted, and an opportunity that he has offered me more than once. It is my loss, and a sad cross to bear.

My last meeting with him was during the recent HCL tournament. At the end of the days play, as i was waiting for a cab, that canceled, he kindly offered me a ride. The conversation with him, and his partner in life and on the bridge table, Jaya ji, was such a refreshing interaction. That was the longest I had ever interacted with him one to one.

Today, as we gather in his memory, there is deep regret that there will be no “one last game” with him—no hand deftly played, no gentle smile exchanged across the table. The Delhi sporting community, particularly bridge and golf enthusiasts, have lost not just a champion, but a guiding light whose example set the highest standard of integrity, modesty, and joy in competition.

May his memory inspire us all to play the game—any game—with the same spirit, kindness, and love that he showed each day of his ninety years. The tournaments will go on, but they will not be the same. To his family I offer my deepest condolences. His was a life that deserves celebration, for he lived it well, played it in the truest spirit of sportsmanship, and declared his last innings without much fanfare. Maybe exactly as he would have liked to plan his contract at the table.

Rest in peace, dear Prakash ji. You will be deeply missed.

R P Tripathi adds

I met him last during HCL tournament and bade him good bye promising to meet again during Delhi Gymkhana but God did not grant us that wish.

My association with Prakashji started some time in 2000, when I was posted in Delhi due to our shared interest in Bridge and we partnered in many tournaments, often sharing a room during outstation tournaments.

Staying with Prakash ji was great, enriching experience for me as I learnt lessons of work life balance from him. His disciplined life style motivated me to follow the same and I find the same very rewarding.

On the bridge table, he was the coolest guy I ever played with and we were rewarded for the same by sailing through tough times.
You will be sorely missed my partner. I am sure God will be happy with you in heaven as He finds a cool partner to play Bridge, Golf and Cricket with.

Aum Shanti.

My personal interaction with Prakashji started during the days of Covid while we were organizing events online. He was a regular participant in our tournaments and was ever willing to support us during the early days of our experiments with RealBridge.

In 2004, I had the honor of playing the Bhartia event as part of his team. He was as soft spoken and gentle in person as he was online.

While death is inevitable, and I salute him for having completed a successful life, a part of me is more than sad at his passing away.
May you rest in eternal peace sir.

Disclaimer : All opinions are entirely those of the author and are no reflection of the views of the BridgeFromHome Team.