Joginder, 64, died of brain haemorrhage at his friend Gurbachan Singh Randhawa's place yesterday.

``AAFI is shocked to hear the sad and sudden demise of Major Joginder Singh. He was a very outstanding athlete of yesteryears and was also a good coach who imparted training to a number of athletes in connection with various Asian Games. His sudden death is indeed an irreparable loss to the entire sports fraternity of the country,'' the AAFI said in a condolence message.

Former international marathon runner and expert Ranjit Bhatia described Joginder Singh as a colourful athlete ``who lived for athletics long after retirement as he kept up his interest in the discipline''.

Bhatia, who knew Joginder singh since 1960 said, ``Joginder was a familiar figure at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi and was keen to be associatedwith various athletic events. Shot put was his first love and it gave him tremendous sense of satisfaction.''

Bhatia said Joginder was one of those rare breed Indian athletes who gave everything for the discipline without seeking any rewards in returns. We will miss him.''

AAFI president Suresh Kalmadi said Joginder Singh was a ``role model for the young and budding athletes in the country, he brought laurels to India.''Indian Olympic Association secretary Randhir Singh said the country has lost a great sportsman in the death of Joginder Singh.

Hurdler Gurbachan Singh Randhawa, who was Joginder's teammate at the 1962 Games, said Joginder wanted to give back to athletics what he had got from it. ``He was always keen to help the athletes especially the throwers.''