Coach Percy Hakim Passes Away
85-year-old Percy Hakim, legendary swimming and water polo coach, who mentored a large number of Mumbai’s top swimmers and Water polo players, passed away in Mumbai, on 30th May, 2023. Based in Dadar (Mumbai), he was cremated at Shivaji Park the next day.
Percy Hakim’s Hong Kong-based son – Peter Hakim, shared how his father had been a father figure to numerous sportspeople. News reports shared various tributes which poured in from many sports personalities. Mumbai’s former water polo player and administrator – Pradeep Divgikar, shared that Hakim’s passing marked the end of an era and reminisced his passion for his trainees: “He loved his trainees to death… The MGMO swimming pool (Dadar) was his karmabhoomi – he could easily pass off as the mascot of the pool.”
According to volleyball player, Tarun Bhansali, “Percy sir’s volleyball skills were top class. His typical language, especially ‘manjan na kar’ (don’t create trouble) is eternal. Our team often talk in Percy Hakim lingo.”
Coach, mentor, father and more, Percy Hakim’s indomitable sportsman’s spirit will live on, in his proteges. In the words of his son, Peter, “His different teaching methods, spiked with brusque Parsi lingo, worked. Many persons even after their sporting careers, carry a little bit of Percy in them.” May his soul rest in eternal peace.
