Rising sports star Zulqarnain Haider, 14, suddenly dies as tributes paid to ‘phenomenal’ young athlete

AN aspiring teenage athlete has been hailed as a “phenomenal talent” after dying suddenly at the age of 14.

Zulqarnain Haider was a rising star at the Keilor Little Athletics Club in Melbourne, Australia.

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Zulqarnain Haider has died aged 14[/caption]

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The teen was a rising star at Keilor Little Athletics Club in Melbourne[/caption]

The teen also had 18 records to his name and represented Victoria at national level.

Keilor Little Athletics Club wrote: “Little Athletics Victoria is shocked and saddened to learn of the recent and sudden passing of Keilor Little Athlete, Zulqarnain Haider.

“‘Zulq’, to those who knew him, was an athlete with extraordinary ability.

“His athletics achievements in his very short life were possibly peerless.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Zulqarnain Haider was 14 years old. Rest in peace.”

The track star scooped the U15 100m titles at the Australian Junior Championships.

He had also previously won gold medals in 100m, 200m, 400m, 80m hurdles and 200m hurdles.

In emotional tributes, Zulqarnain has been described as a “superstar” with an “infectious smile”.

Coburg Little Athletics wrote: “Coburg would like to pass our sincere condolences to Zulq’s family and friends. 

“He was a joy to watch and many of our athletes stopped what they were doing whenever he ran. A phenomenal talent taken too soon.”

A statement from Cranbourne Little Athletics added: “We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Haider Family and the Keilor Little Aths Family.

“An incredible and humble athlete with an infectious smile.”