Bharat Khimji was a noted industrialist, patron of sports and philanthropist.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Noted industrialist, patron of sports and philanthropist Bharat Khimji passed away in his sleep in Hubballi on Thursday. He was 84.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Born in the then Bombay on December 16, 1942, Bharat Khimji came to Hubballi in the 1960s.
He was instrumental in the growth of the valve industry in Hubballi and subsequently, founded the BDK Group of Companies which made name in valve manufacturing.
An ardent sports lover, Bharat Khimji promoted cricket, table tennis and billiards and played a pivotal role in the establishment of cricket infrastructure in North Karnataka.
Through Akay industries and then through BDK Sports Foundation, which he founded along with Baba Bhusad in 1992, he promoted cricket and other sports.
Bharat Khimji served various community and social service organisations in various capacities.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, BJP MPs Jagadish Shettar and Basavaraj Bommai, Chairman of Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti, MLAs Mahesh Tenginakai, Prasad Abbayya and others have mourned his demise.
The Karnatak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the North Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association too have mourned his demise.
Published – February 05, 2026 08:52 pm IST
