REGINA — Thousands of fans will gather at Mosaic Stadium tonight to cheer on the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but before the opening kickoff, the focus will shift from football to remembering a young man whose life ended far too soon.
The Roughriders announced they will pay tribute to 22-year-old Regina resident Bhishma Rajyaguru during a pre-game ceremony ahead of Thursday night's game against the Edmonton Elks, remembering a young man the organization described as "a caring friend, a devoted son, a supportive brother, and someone who was always there for the people in his life."
Rajyaguru died following a head-on collision on Highway 11 near Lumsden on July 18. His death has deeply affected the Regina community, with an outpouring of support continuing to grow for his family and friends as they cope with the unimaginable loss.
In a heartfelt message shared on the team's official social media pages, the Roughriders said they were "profoundly saddened" by Rajyaguru's passing after speaking with those closest to him.
"A gifted percussionist with a deep love of music, Bhishma's passion and presence left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him," the club wrote.
"Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all those mourning his loss. We also hold in our thoughts everyone who is supporting those affected during this incredibly difficult time."
The organization said tonight's tribute is being planned with the support and blessing of Rajyaguru's loved ones.
"We will honour Bhishma as part of our pregame ceremony on Thursday evening and are working with his family on the best way we can support them," the Roughriders said.
The tribute is expected to include a formal moment of silence and a video-board recognition celebrating Rajyaguru's life before kickoff, allowing fans, players and coaches to reflect together on the young life that was lost.
The club also shared a GoFundMe campaign created by Rajyaguru's friends, encouraging anyone wishing to support his family to contribute if they are able.
According to the fundraising campaign, Rajyaguru came to Canada from India in April 2022 "with big dreams and an even bigger heart."
Friends described him as "a deeply responsible son, an honest friend, and a truly talented, passionate musician who filled our lives with melody and joy."
"To know him was to know kindness, loyalty, and an infectious love for life," the campaign says. "His future was incredibly bright, and his absence leaves a void that words simply cannot describe."
The fundraiser will help cover funeral expenses and the significant cost of returning Rajyaguru to his family in Gujarat, India, where his parents are waiting to bring their son home and lay him to rest. Friends said every contribution will go toward repatriation and supporting his family during what they describe as "their darkest hour."
The campaign has already received an overwhelming response from the community, reflecting the profound impact Rajyaguru had on those around him and the compassion of strangers moved by his story.
For one evening, the roar of Mosaic Stadium will pause.
Before football takes centre stage, an entire province will remember a young man whose love for music, unwavering kindness, and devotion to his family touched countless lives. Tonight's tribute is expected to serve as a powerful reminder that while games eventually end, the memories of those we love, and the lives they touched, endure long after the final whistle.
Rajyaguru died in the same collision that killed Roughriders player and captain Jayden Dalke, who will also be remembered pre-game.
