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It was with great saddest and shock
that the students at Birmingham University meet the tragic news of
Neil’s death. Our deepest sympathy is with his family and close
friends at this time.
Neil was known to many of us, due to our regular competition against
Nottingham University in the BUSA League. Neil was always a tough
opponent to face and a great lad off court. Neil was well liked by
many due to his up-beat and enthusiastic nature and he will be
missed greatly by all.
Once again we offer our condolence to Neil’s Family and friends and
our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
The Students at Birmingham University Squash Club |
Rest peacefully champ.
Surbiton squash |
Neil had been
sponsored by HEAD for several years, ever since Ian Robinson had
told me of his ambition, skill, drive… and height!
I met with Neil at many BSPA events and had always found him to be
professional, enthusiastic, friendly and dedicated in all ways.
It is such a great loss that someone so young has passed away, my
heart goes out to his family.
HEAD |
Neil spent a couple of months in Cape
Town, South Africa, during his gap year. He was filled with
enthusiasm, not just for his squash, but for life in general.
He couldn’t get enough of all life had to offer him, and this was
infectious. A sunnier personality would be hard to find. He made an
instant impression on all of us at Western Province Cricket Club (WPCC)
and slotted seamlessly in to both the WPCC 1st league squash side
and the WPCC social scene.
We also managed to utilize him in the odd social cricket game, where
not surprisingly he put the rest of us to shame. We were shocked
when we heard the news a few days back, and our thoughts and prayers
go to his family and to his many friends, scattered throughout the
world.
You may be gone, Neil, but all who met you are better for the
experience.
WPCC, Cape Town, South Africa |
It's certainly taken me a while to come
to terms with this tragic news. I simply can't believe that Neil is
no longer with us.
I find it just so upsetting to think that Neil had so much to look
forward to and his life has been cut desperately short.
I have fantastic memories of Neil from school squash, the junior
circuit and through Surrey squash amongst other things! It was
always a pleasure to see Neil and he was great company. He was
interested and always had time for people which is probably why he
had such a large network of friends. He was the ultimate all-rounder
and can be an example to us all.
My thoughts are with Neil's family. I'll miss you mate.
 |
I didn't have the pleasure of knowing
Neil that well, but from just the briefest little chats in the club
from time to time it was clear that Neil was a truly class act, his
abilities on the squash court quite clearly only one side of a very
special guy.
Ravi, I am sure that there are no words from others that can touch
what you and your family are going though but please know that
people are thinking of you.
Surbiton squash club |
Neil played for us last year and we
wanted to express our sadness at his loss.
Neil came to play for us through his friendship with Oliver as they
had become good friends at Nottingham University. Whenever Neil
played, you could guarantee he would give 100% and never give in. As
lots of people have mentioned his big smile is the thing you
remember about him.
Neil had become one of Oliver's best friends while at Uni both on
and off the court and the thought of him not being with him again
this year is very hard to take.
We are devastated by the news of Neil's death and we would like to
share our deepest sympathies with Neil's family and friends. His
love and enthusiasm for the game was infectious and he will be
greatly missed.
(Alderley Edge Squash
Club) |
I looked after
one of the younger Surrey Junior squash teams below Ravi and
although Neil was in a different age group I knew him through that;
I also met him via Tiffin. He was one of those people that had the
gift of being able to put the same face on to the world no matter
how they feel or how dark a winter’s morning it was and without fail
will make the effort to acknowledge you, smile and say hello how are
you.
The first time I properly talked to him was at Wimbledon Squash Club
when he was probably about 10; we had a mature conversation and I
clearly remember thinking what a special person, to have that
ability to talk to an adult and make the adult feel good when he was
so young.
In his so unfairly short life he made an impact on people like me,
he improved people’s lives by lifting them and making them feel that
bit happier.
Mr. and Mrs. Desai I hope your beliefs will help you thru this
tragedy
 |
My Childhood
Friend
I have known Neil since he was a small boy, he used to play and
run around outside the squash courts, kicking a football or carrying
a cricket bat while I trained with his brother Samir, these are
the good memories I have of Neil.
Neil was a beautiful person not only on the outside which reminds me
of what my mother used to say, "Neil you should be a model, you're
such a good looking boy," but on the inside Neil was a god gifted
child.
Neil was the nicest person I had ever met, he was always
smiling, happy and most importantly very humble and also extra
kind. His father Ravi and mother were a true reflection of Neil,
they were devoted parents to both Neil and Samir. I pray that god
gives strength to Neil's family, the nicest parents and most
genuine people I ever had the pleasure to meet.
I am shocked and devastated that I will never see Neil again, but
Neil will always be in my heart and I have those cherished memories
of Neil as a youngster that I will truly never forget.
God Bless Neil
 |
I am shocked and devastated to hear
this tragic news.
I suppose like everybody else here, I just wanted to say what a top
class guy Neil was. When you talk about people having the
likeability factor ... he had it in abundance!
As a member of our Tass scheme, I found Neil to be a very warm and
engaging character, determined and hardworking which was reflected
in how well he managed to combine his law degree with his squash,
both to a high level.
His family and those closest to Neil must be very proud of him, my
thoughts and deepest sympathies are with them at this difficult
time.
England Squash |
I was and still am absolutely shattered
by the unbelievably tragic news of Neil's passing. I met Neil many
years ago when playing at Surbiton squash club. I saw him, Ravi and
Samir on a weekly bases for almost five years and watched Neil grow
up though his teens with a passion for sport many would envy and
always had a huge smile on his face.
Cricket and Squash were his sports and he excelled in both. I saw
Neil last when he came through Australia on his travels and he had
truly grown into an amazing young man with an extraordinary passion
for life. An inconceivable loss to the community.
Ravi and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this
time of sadness in your lives. Take care.....
Australia |
I was devastated to receive the news
about Neil and still find it difficult to comprehend.
I coached Neil since he began playing squash at the age of 8 years
old. He was always such an amazingly enthusiastic pupil and at times
it was difficult to get him off the court! He always gave at least
100% to everything he did, from his Squash to Cricket to his
Schooling and was an absolute pleasure to have known and watched
grow into such fine young man.
Neil and I last played a match on 19th August at Surbiton and the
memories of that will stay with me forever.
I find it very upsetting and difficult writing this but my thoughts
are very much with his family at this very sad time and I know he
will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
I will miss him
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A True Role-model
When I arrived at Surbiton Racquet and Fitness Club from South
Africa, 9 years ago, the Desai's welcomed me warmly. Ravi offered me
a beer, Samir asked me if I did coaching, and Neil (13 yrs old)
said, "I'll take you on at squash and cricket, mate".
Over the last 9 years I have followed and loved Neil's ambition, his
courage, his resilience in the face of adversity and his infectious
enthusiasm for everything he did, but most of all though, I have
admired his humility and kindness in the face of all his outstanding
achievements.
I am grateful to have spent time with him and shall miss him dearly.
 |
When first heard the
news of Neil's passing I was totally shocked and couldn't believe
it.
I had the pleasure of meeting Neil on the tass programme this year
gone, he was a brilliant guy always smiling and laughing, a great
guy to be around and extremely likeable.
I will always remember the first time I met him when I walked into
the national centre and he just had this huge grin on his face.
Whenever I remember him this is what comes to mind - the huge grin.
Our deepest sympathies to Neil's family and friends. You were taken
way too soon.
 |
Neil was a truly great guy, a tough
competitor and a very fair one!
He understood what University Sport was about. To compete hard in an
enjoyable, social environment. The Manchester v Nottingham
relationship is a strong one as for the past years we have been the
greatest rivals on court and the best of friends off the court. Neil
was central to this and will only be remembered for good memories.
Our thoughts lie with his family and the boys at Nottingham
University Squash Club where we know he was a terribly popular guy.
University Squash has lost a great person.
Condolences from the boys at the University of Manchester
Jonathan Barnes, Chris Tasker-Grindley, Gordon Harpur, Conor
O'Hare Stuart Empson |
Really really
sad.
We know these are not the words to be said at this moment, but I
have to say that it came as a shock to Vuyani, Robin and Lebo here
at the Green Elephants, cause we knew Neil as a great guy who always
entertained us.
Vuyani and Lebo did promise that they will visit him in the UK when
the time is right and he always said that they are always welcome
when ever they go overseas and now that they both got a chance, they
had to hear this terrible news.
Would like to send our condolences to the Desai family and everyone
who knew Neil. Rest in peace man ...
From Lebo, Vuyani, Robin and all of the people who you met in
South Africa ... the Green Elephant Backpackers |
I watched Neil Desai play at the UK
National Championships in Manchester last February. He was good,
almost effortless it seemed.
Only 20 :(
Sympathies to his family and friends.
 |
I am absolutely shocked
to hear this tragic news.
I knew Neil very well we were on the same surrey cup team playing
for wimbledon, we would always have a good chat and promised to keep
in contact when he went travelling .. my thoughts are with his
family at this very sad time.
 |
I can't believe about Neil news I still
say he is with us he is alive because he texted me last week to
train with me and suddenly I saw the news I couldn't believe it.
He was a wonderful player, we played a lot of tournaments together
and I cant forget his happy face, he was a very nice person in
squash court and outside as a friend.
My sad feelings with the family.
ALLAH BLESS HIM.
 |
Neil Desai came to us a couple of years
ago as one of the new intake at Nottingham University.
He immediately made an impression not only due his physical stature
but also his bright personality and his eagerness to become involved
with all of the activities here at Nottingham Squash Rackets Club.
He quickly became integrated with the other young pro's based here
and could be seen, normally late at night, having spent all day at
the university library, either having a marathon match on court or
an equally long gym session.
Having twice helped NSRC reach the national club championship final,
as well as playing PSL last season, Neil's passing has been keenly
felt by his peers here at NSRC, as well as the membership at large.
A hugely likeable young man who had such a promising future both on
and off court, he will be sorely missed by everyone at NSRC. Our
deepest sympathy goes to his family at this tragic time.
Nottingham Squash Club |
I was looking forward to welcoming Neil
back to Nottingham, along with his University team mates, when I
heard the news.
When you hear something so shocking you refuse to believe what you
are hearing at first, and then the sadness comes, realising that I'm
not going to see this guy again, to see him smile and chat before
going on court and giving 100%.
Quite simply Neil was the nicest guy I ever knew, a legend...
My thoughts and prayers are with Neil's family and Emma at this sad
time.
Coach of the Nottingham University Squash Team |
Always Smiling...
Always smiling has to be the way we will all remember Neil. It just
sums up his complete personality.
When I first heard the news I hoped beyond hope that someone would
just say it’s not true.
I have known Neil throughout my junior squash career and beyond. We
played in the Surrey junior squad and more recently regularly
trained together. He was just a thoroughly nice guy.
It’s a crime that such a good friend can be taken from us when he
has given so much and had so much more to give. It always seems to
be the good guys that get taken from us.
My thoughts go out to his family and many, many friends.
 |
CAN’T BELIEVE IT
That’s the only thing I could say after Ian Robinson told me that
Neil Desai, so young, had passed away, while on holiday in Spain
with his girlfriend, apparently from a massive heart attack.
I just couldn’t come to terms with the news.
If you had met Neil, you would never forget about him. First things
you’d notice were his height and charm. As Coach Legend Rahmat Khan
said to his father in the British Junior Open in 2005, “if your son
doesn’t want to go on playing squash, he can certainly make a career
in Bollywood”. And it was not a joke. Neil was an extremely handsome
young man.
But he was much more than that. Discreet, well mannered, soft
spoken, hard worker, respectful of all around him, he was a credit
to his family, and having met his father on several occasion, I know
that they were, quite rightly, extremely proud of him.
I still can’t believe that I’ll never see his young smile again,
hear his “hi Fram, are you well?”. And if of course, every day, a
lot of terrible things happen all over the world, I feel that our
little World of Squash has suffered a terrible loss.
 |
Neil Desai, what a fantastic guy! My
Brother (Oliver Pett) and I knew him quite well, my brother more so!
What's so upsetting is that, a mere 3 or 4 weeks ago, I watched him
playing Oli, fighting well, looking strong and fit. How is it, that
that man, on that court is no more! It's a major blow, I keep
thinking it over...
It's something that can not be expressed clearer than saying that
Neil's passing has destroyed so many people.
He had some great friends, and a Fantastic family, whom I send my
condolences and sheer sincere remorse to, I cannot imagine what they
are going through. And to his girlfriend I send my condolences as
well.
Neil, IS a great person, not WAS, as long as we never forget him, he
will never be a WAS, he shall remain an IS.
A dedicated and successful person who never failed to get where he
wanted. If he worked for it, he got it. One thing he'll never lose
is the love and respect of all the lives he'd touched. His family
should feel comforted by the fact that he has so many loving friends.
Neil, you are a great friend. May you live forever, in our hearts,
where you belong to be held.
Most kindest regards
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What a terrible
loss for such a young lad.
I met Neil on quite a few occasions through different squash
meetings and he was always had a smile and bubbling with life. Its
hard to see how someone so young and healthy could die so
tragically.
My sincere condolences go to his family.
 |
Our deepest sympathies to Neil’s family
and girlfriend, our thoughts are with you. We are all completely
shocked by this tragedy.
I played Neil in April this year, we had a cracking game. Neil was
incredibly enthusiastic and wanted to know where he could improve.
He was a talented and an exemplary sportsman. We also talked in
depth about his legal studies and him becoming a barrister.
With his sharp mind and natural charm he would surely have graced
that profession. He was one of those instantly likeable people and
he will be greatly missed.
Derbyshire Squash |
Having both played Neil and watched him
come through the juniors, I can only echo the sentiments expressed
in all the other tributes posted. He was a lovely guy. Always had
the time to chat, enthusing about his game, his uni life and his
travels. You'd be hard pressed to find a more engaging and friendly
person. This news is just tragic.
On behalf of Claire, Steve and myself, our sincerest sympathies go
out to his family at such a difficult time.
 |
I only played Neil once and that was
about four years ago. Ever since, Neil and his dad would always say
hello and have time for a chat.
Mr Desai, you brought a lovely son into this world and I cannot
understand this news.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Wimbledon Rackets and Fitness Club |
I heard the tragic news of Neil's
passing at the weekend and like many others, have been in complete
shock.
I last saw him at the Park in Nottingham, having a hit with Richard
O'Connor. He was as happy and witty as ever and we chatted about how
much he was enjoying his squash and university life.
I will remember him on and off court, as a thoroughly nice guy,
charming and self-effacing. My thoughts go out to his family at this
very sad time.
Surrey Squash |
Neil was an
exceptional young man. A truly gentle giant who in addition to his
squash and academic achievements played a high standard of cricket.
He attended several of my squads a couple of years ago and was
always a very respectful and receptive pupil.
My abiding memory of Neil is him digging deep to pull off a 9-7 in
the fifth victory in the deciding match of The Inter County Junior
Final against Yorkshire.
My thoughts are with his family who have lost a son/brother with
rare attributes. The loss to the squash world is immense.
Surrey Squash |
Utterly shocking news.
There are many people in squash who knew or knew of Neil who are
thinking about him and his family right now.
It is so difficult to understand, somebody so young...
We want to convey how sickening it was to hear about Neil and pass
on our good wishes to those closest to him.
Our deepest condolences to Neil's family and friends, from
everyone at Pontefract,
|
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Why, oh Why?
Having coached Neil and most recently played with Neil for Surbiton
and Surrey, I'm finding it awfully hard to put such a horrible
tragedy into words.
Everyone you speak to about Neil has loving words to describe such a
great, likeable, determined and talented young man he was. Neil had
so much more to offer the world through his squash, studies in law
and huge love for life in general.
From everyone at Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club, can I take this
opportunity to offer Neil's family our deepest sympathy and regret
at this tragic time.
Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club |
It comes as an unbelievable shock to
learn of Neil's untimely passing. He has always been the most easy
going and friendly of squash players, who played with an engaging
enthusiasm and clear enjoyment of the game.
He had such a sense of humour that all players who played against
him will have nothing but fond memories. Neil came to me for
coaching before he went to further his studies at Nottingham
University and was a welcome addition to the squad.
My abiding memory of him will always be of talent unfulfilled, in
every sense, with his passing at such a dreadfully young age. It is
never easy to deal with an event such as this, but my deepest
sympathy goes to his family who must be suffering unimaginably at
this awful time.
University of Surrey |
Neil was
extremely friendly and very well respected by everyone around him on
and off the squash courts.
He was full of energy always wanting to compete to the best of his
abilities. He worked hard with both his studies and on court. Neil
was a bright young lad who had time for everyone and his enthusiasm
and love of life was embraced by all that met him.
The gentle giant of squash who had a big heart will be truly missed
by one and all.
Surrey Squash |
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A
tragic loss to squash.
Neil was a key member of the clubs junior success at Wimbledon &
also played a successful role for our men’s first team in the Surrey
Cup.
Neil was liked by all on the circuit & everyone found Neil extremely
approachable as a player & a friend.
Our thoughts are now with his family & friends at this sad time.
Surrey Squash |
I struggle to find the
words to express my sadness at the news of Neil’s passing.
I got to know Neil and his father when he was on the junior circuit
and a nicer young person / player it would be hard to meet.
Neil was a talented player who came onto the junior scene quite late
but still progressed to become a top 20 ranked Under 19 before
gaining a TASS scholarship whilst at university in Nottingham.
Neil was a dedicated Surrey county player and was a member of their
team that lifted the senior Inter-County title back in March.
A sad loss to the squash community - my thoughts go out to Neil’s
family and friends.
England Squash |
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Neil with the Surrey team which
won the Inter County Champs
in March 2008 |
I am just sat here and cannot believe
what I am reading....
I did not know Neil that well but had a few conversations with him
at the National Championships in Manchester, I remember him playing
one of my Academy players in the Qualifying event and thought what a
gutsy player he was.
My heart goes out to his family and friends and you're right Fram,
it is a tragic loss to the squash world!
From all at Jersey Squash.
 |
I can't describe
how sad it makes me feel to be reading this tragic news.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Neil but it is obvious from the
comments of his friends and colleagues that the world of squash has
lost a very likeable and talented young man who will be missed by
many.
Please pass on our deepest sympathy to his family and friends, we
are all thinking of them at this very difficult time.
PSA President & Former world no.1 |
I was given the
awful news at the weekend about Neil Desai and was absolutely
stunned.
Neil would have lessons with me when he was down from University and
we have played in the same county squad several times and would also
train together. This is something just so unexpected, Neil was only
20.
It is often said when someone dies what a good person they were and
the commonly said statement can lose a little of its sincerity. But
in this case it could not apply more.
Neil was a kind, good hearted and genuine person. The first thing
every person to whom I have relayed the news has said is what a good
guy he was. Writing this now is upsetting, I can see him as clear as
day and find it difficult to believe he is gone.
He will be missed enormously by me as well as by many others. My
thoughts are with his parents.
Surrey Squash |
I heard the sad tragic news on Sunday
about Neil and could not believe it. The last time I saw Neil was up
in Nottingham at The Park when I was attending a England Squash Team
Meeting.
We were both surprised to see each other outside of Surrey and I had
a long chat with him. He was really enjoying Uni life and still very
much enjoying his squash. He was asking about Alex, Joe and also
remembered my son Chris, it was just so nice to chat to him.
I cannot get my head around how someone so young, fit and healthy
can be taken so quickly and suddenly. The picture of Neil is just
how he was all the time, always smiling.
I am sure everyone who knew Neil on and off the court will be in a
state of shock, he was such a down to earth, happy, friendly guy who
would always give you the time of day, its tragic that he has been
taken at such a young age.
England Squash |
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