April 18, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Baseball community extends its heartfelt condolences following the tragic loss of Ashraf Awad Murad, a prominent figure in Palestinian baseball, who fell victim to the ongoing conflict.
Murad, a pivotal figure in the Palestinian baseball scene, played a significant role in elevating the sport in his country.
Despite the backdrop of war, Murad’s dedication to baseball provided solace and inspiration to his fellow players and compatriots.
Hailing from a background in karate, Murad transitioned to baseball, demonstrating a deep passion for sports.
Under his leadership, the Palestinian baseball team achieved notable success, including an impressive runner-up finish in the 2023 West Asian Baseball Championship, despite their relatively recent introduction to the sport. Murad’s team even defeated Sri Lanka on its way into the runner-up finish in the tournament.
Tragically, Murad’s life was cut short on March 26, when he was fatally wounded by the Israeli Army.
His untimely demise sent shockwaves through the global baseball community, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and determination.
In a gesture of solidarity and respect, representatives from Sri Lanka Baseball, including Theekshana Gammanpila, Chief Executive, and Subash Gunasinghe, President of the Baseball Select Committee, met with Dr. Suheir MH Darsheid, the Ambassador of Palestine to Sri Lanka, to express Sri Lanka’s condolences for Murad’s loss.
The Palestinian Embassy, in a statement, confirmed Murad’s tragic fate, revealing that he was targeted by the Israeli Army and subsequently killed.
Murad’s family members were reportedly taken hostage following his death, adding further anguish to the already devastating situation.
In honour of Murad’s memory, the Palestinian Ambassador presented a framed photograph of Murad to Sri Lanka Baseball representatives, underscoring his enduring impact on the sport and his unwavering commitment to his country.
Murad’s legacy transcends the baseball field, serving as a beacon of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
His contributions to Palestinian baseball and his remarkable leadership will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we mourn the loss of Ashraf Awad Murad, we pay tribute to his remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication to the sport he loved.
Sri Lanka’s thoughts and prayers will be with his family, friends, and the entire Palestinian baseball community in accordance with his cultural and religious devotions during this difficult time.
*Adapted from original article, “යුද්ධය අහිමි කළ පලස්තීන බේස්බොල් නායකයාට ශ්රී ලංකා බේස්බෝල් වෙනුවෙන් කණගාටුව පළ වේ.” written by Nishman Ranasinghe published on 18.04.2024.
