Coronavirus kills CSKA Moscow doctor

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Russian basketball powerhouse CSKA Moscow's doctor was killed by the novel coronavirus on Saturday.

"Today, our good and always sympathetic friend, brilliant doctor and excellent family man Roman Abzhelilov has left us. His body fought desperately, but failed to cope with health complications caused by the coronavirus infection," CSKA said in a statement.

The club offered condolences to the family and friends of Abzhelilov.

"He was a wonderful person and universal favorite… This is a big loss for all of us…," CSKA added.

In addition to many European basketball clubs including Turkey's Anadolu Efes, the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague offered condolences on social media.

Abzhelilov, 44, has served for CSKA since 2014.

He was previously a team doctor at Khimki Moscow Region and the Russian national team.

Abzhelilov was survived by his wife and two children.

Russia reported 2,537 deaths from the new coronavirus after 119 people died over the past 24 hours.

The authorities said on Saturday that there were 272,043 positive cases as well.