A YOUNG Coventry man who dreamed of helping Asian players break into mainstream football died on a family holiday in India.
Rondip Singh Parmar, known as Ronnie, had been in the Punjab with his wife and two young daughters, when the tragedy happened.
Days earlier, the fit and healthy 31-year-old had been celebrating at his sister-in-law’s wedding, and had been telling his family in England about the fun he was having.
But on Tuesday, February 17 he had gone to bed and his wife, Prabhjeet, noticed his nose had started to bleed and his breathing was abnormal. Prabhjeet, 31, of Anchorway Road, Finham, said: “It all just happened so quickly. I called my brother and uncle to check on him, and we decided to take him to hospital.
“We took him to three different hospitals and the doctors kept saying he was okay, and to take him home. They didn’t check him properly and just didn’t want to know.
“We tried a fourth hospital and the doctor gave him some oxygen and an injection, but he died 20 minutes later.”
Doctors in India said he had choked on his vomit, but the family is still waiting for results of the post mortem.
Ronnie, a former Barrs Hill Secondary School pupil, has been described by his family as an ambitious man, who dreamt of big things.
His aunt, Goodie Sandhu said: “We just can’t believe we have lost him. He was always helping people, and doing things for his family.
“He wasn’t the type of person to just sit down. He had so many dreams and great ideas.”
The father-of-two had a number of businesses in property and computing, and also had a sports agency which he used to help young Asian footballers get signed for league sides.
“He had a big drive for football, both playing and going to games to see Liverpool play”, said his younger brother Billy Parmar, aged 21.
“He always wanted to help Asians get into big teams, and he would travel up and down the country taking them to trials. He spent a lot of money funding local teams and had a lot of time for it – it was his passion.”
As a side project, Ronnie had planned to make a film on the fairtytale way he fell in love with his wife.
“He was always keeping himself busy, and thinking up new things,” said Mrs Sandhu.
“At New Year’s he was telling the whole family he was going to be a big star. He told us about the film, and we didn’t really take much notice because we thought he was joking. But we have seen the script now and are going to try and get this film made for him.”
In a memory book, his parents Jasbir and Steve Parmar of Babbacombe Road, Styvechale, wrote: “Thank you for the wonderful memories, we will treasure them as long as we live.
“Please look down upon us from heaven, and remember us and look upon your loving wife and beautiful daughters. We are very proud to be your parents and that you came into our lives. You will be missed.”
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