By R. Vincent Tupaz
For Variety

HE was an award-winning journalist, teacher, colleague and a brother in the field of media. Now he, like his work, has become part of the island’s and region’s sports history.
The byline of long-time Pacific Daily News freelance sports reporter Akash Shringi will no longer appear in newsprint. Last Friday, Akash was called home.  His death came as shock to many in the field, to those in his inner circle and certainly his family. Condolences abound, including from the Marianas Variety family.
Shringi was a young thirty-something writer extraordinaire. Though he’s most associated with the PDN, Shringi had worked with the Variety as well. He taught Journalism and coached soccer at St. Paul’s Christian School in Harmon.  At the time of his death, Shringi was employed with the Office of Senator Jesse Lujan, R-Tamuning, and just prior to that, with the Guam State Clearinghouse for former Lt. Governor Kaleo S. Moylan.
Sure, as with many reporters, Akash had his critics, but he also had success. As a writer, Shringi garnered multiple awards for his work including a number of “Top Sports Story,” awards from the Micronesia Society of Professional Journalist and other like associations.  
Shringi’s dedication to the field of sports journalism was clearly identifiable. He’d be on any sideline at many a game, following the plays in methodical fashion, trying his best to record accurate stats while affably interacting with coaches, athletes, referees, and fans. His cool demeanor on the sidelines never let on that he was pressed for time, with a deadline that was just minutes away.
Over the weekend, as news spread throughout the island, scores of people and friends that knew Akash Shringi in one way or another flocked to his parent’s home in Toto to offer their prayers and condolences on his untimely death.
On Saturday, Moylan and many staffers from the former Lt. Gov’s office visited the Shringi home to offer whatever comfort they could to the family. Moylan told the Variety that Akash Shringi was a rare find in life and was a dedicated and committed team player. He said the young writer never let on that he wasn’t feeling well.   
“Akash worked for me for several years, and I really appreciated his presence. He had a happy attitude towards life. You’d never know, he’d never let on that he wasn’t feeling well,” stated Moylan. “He was a team player, early to work and among the last to leave. He fulfilled his obligations and just kept on going and he really loved his Miami Dolphins,” added Moylan.   Leo Babauta, a colleague and friend of Shringi echoed Moylan’s sentiments. Babauta recalled that some 12 years ago, he helped launch the primary career of the then 20-year-old aspiring journalist. Babauta hired Shringi to write for the PDN sports pages and later Babauta would work with Akash in government service. “He’s been a friend of mine for over a decade,” shared Babauta. “We knew each other (as students) at the University of Guam.”
Babauta added, “I really can’t believe that Akash will no longer be with us. It’s devastating to me. Akash was a friend for a long time, a hard worker, a passionate man, someone you could count on. He will be missed by all sports writers and by the sporting community on Guam.”
  According to friends of the family, Shringi’s cause of death was Heart Failure related to Dialysis treatment. Last respects for Akash may be made today with prayers beginning at 2:00 p.m. Viewing is from 2:30 to 4 p.m. A cremation service will follow.
In his passing, Shringi, 32 leaves behind his wife, Hanisha, and his family; brother Bobby Shringi, sister Sony Sharma, adored nephew Charlie Sharma, and parents Andy and Mina Shringi.