The Dutchman, a recipient of the Olympic Order, was the sixth President of the IKF between 1988 and 2003.

During his reign korfball was recognised by both the International Olympic Committee and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).

He was also an IKF vice president between 1981 and 1988, during which time korfball entered the programme of the World Games.

De Die served as a senior vice president of the International World Games Association between 1993 and 2005.

He was awarded the Honorary Life Presidency position by the IKF in 2003.

Other accolades he achieved included the GAISF Award in 2005 while he was appointed as an Officer in the Knighthood of Orange-Nassau.

The Royal Netherlands Korfball Association made him an honorary life member.

"Bob de Die brought me into the International Korfball Federation as a volunteer administrator and later on convinced me to take on the job as secretary general in 1997," said current IKF President Jan Fransoo, who took over from De Die in 2003.

"From that period onwards, he has had a major impact on my development as a sports administrator. 

"I will remember him for his positive and realistic outlook, and for ensuring me that good governance is what matters across sports. 

"We wish his wife, children and grandchildren lots of strength in going through this difficult period."