A Life Full of Love and Impact
For Imran Amjad, the memories of his daughter Uqasha Imran are filled with the vibrant energy of a young woman whose life was tragically cut short. “She was a picture of, as we say, loving, caring, giving — an absolute package of that,” he shared. However, what many may not know is the profound impact she had on young Canberrans through sports.
Uqasha was not only passionate about sports but also dedicated to mentoring and training others. She was a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo, working towards her third-degree black belt just weeks before her death. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her own training, as she spent time guiding younger athletes.
A Tragic Accident and a Final Wish
In March 2025, Ms. Imran suffered catastrophic injuries when a bus failed to stop at a stop sign and crashed into her while she was riding a motorcycle. The 22-year-old died from a traumatic brain injury after three days in the hospital, and the bus driver later pleaded guilty to negligent driving causing death.
Outside court last year, Mr. Amjad expressed the deep void left in their family life. “The void in our family life will never be filled,” he said. Despite the tragedy, the family has channeled their grief into honoring Uqasha’s memory.
A Final Wish Granted
Ms. Imran had always been clear about her wishes for her life and death. In the wake of her passing, her taekwondo club awarded her a third-degree black belt in recognition of her completed training. However, it was her desire to donate her organs that truly highlighted her generosity.
“Uqasha had spoken to us literally a few days before that because we were planning on taking a trip and she said she wanted to sort out things,” Mr. Amjad recalled. Although she didn’t have the opportunity to fulfill her wish, the family carried it forward. When her wish was fulfilled three days after the crash, it brought some comfort to the family.
“This gave the family, the friends around us an encouragement to say, ‘Let’s take this hope forward. This must not die with Uqasha’,” Mr. Amjad said.
Passion for Sports Passed On
This weekend, the family launched the Uqasha Imran Foundation, which aims to help young people access sports by removing financial and logistical barriers. “I’m very, very proud of the Canberran community who have come around us to make this a possibility,” Mr. Amjad said. The foundation supports any sport, not limited to martial arts.
“We stand ready to come with grants, come with sports equipment, come with training sessions to help them so they don’t miss out on what a kid deserves,” he added. The foundation has already helped five students in different aspects of their training, mentorship, and attending competitions.
Raising Awareness of Organ Donation
In addition to supporting youth in sports, the family also aims to raise awareness of organ donation. Mr. Amjad noted that Australia lags behind in registered organ donors. “The message is very simple. You can be on the register. Your next of kin at the time will still have the option to make that decision whether they do or not,” he said.
Support and resources are available at hospitals in Canberra for those considering organ donation for a loved one, including interpreters for people who don’t speak English. “In the hospital, for example, we can involve the representatives of the different faiths if the family wish to,” Mr. Chatelin said.
The Beauty of Organ Donation
The family has since learned more about Uqasha’s generosity in her death. “The beauty of organ donation is when a couple of months ago we received a letter from one of the recipients,” Mr. Amjad shared. Knowing how well they are moving on with their lives, the family finds comfort in the stories of those who benefited from Uqasha’s gift.
“It’s like I’m still talking to my Uqasha,” he said.
