MOHAMMED HABIB ALI ABDULLAH: GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Bangkok, Thailand, April 26, 2018 – It is with great sadness that the Asian Volleyball Confederation write to inform this one big volleyball family that Mr Mohammed Habib Ali Abdullah has passed away in a hospital in Kuwait on Tuesday night at the age of 62.

Tributes have flooded in following the announcement that the former AVC Referees Committee chairman died of cancer from which he had been suffering for years. Having worked tirelessly over 30 years with AVC and FIVB, Mr Mohammed Habib had been the FIVB Instructor and FIVB Supervisor for several occasions aside from officiating crucial matches at the world-class volleyball competitions.

He was also working as the Secretary of the FIVB Rules of the Games Commission and became a key man who had initially translated volleyball rules and regulations from English to Arabic. Mr Mohammed Habib also remained an inspiring example to be remembered and talked of with fondness and good humour.

His courage and good humour saw him through the bad times as, despite daunting tasks and responsibilities, he was still friendly and helpful to all people he was working with. Learning the death of Mr Mohammed Habib, veteran Thai referee Mr Jirasak Pumduang posted photos of Mohammed Habib while he was working with him and other Thai referees on his Facebook with a short condolence message that said, “R.I.P. Mr Habib. You are my teacher and father as well. You had taught me rules of volleyball and how to become a good referee in this career. I can come this far because of your kind support and love to me. You will be fondly remembered by me and all referees you worked with.”

In this sorrowful time, AVC would like to convey heartfelt condolences for the great loss of Mr Mohammed Habib’s family.