A function to remember and honour the late footballer and Olympian O. Chandrasekharan could not have asked for a better chief guest than his compatriot and friend Rufus D’Souza with over half a century of football coaching under his belt.
The Maharaja’s College Old Students Association observed the first death anniversary of Chandrasekharan in the presence of football legends who once enthralled spectators with their breathtaking performances, on Wednesday. Mayor M. Anilkumar marked the occasion by unveiling the almost six-feet-high portrait of the late legend holding a football, in the presence of his wife Vimala Chandrasekharan and son Sunil Chandrasekharan.
In his commemorative speech, Mr. D’Souza described his old mate as an unparalleled personality in the sporting pantheons of the country. “He lived for the game and was a personification of dignity on the football turf,” said Mr. D’Souza. The late footballer’s son honoured Mr. D’Souza by presenting him with a shawl.
The Mayor said the Kochi Corporation would consider setting up a fitting memorial for the late Olympian. Chandrasekharan’s brother Sanjeev Kumar K. handed over the memento to Swathi Kumar who painted the portrait of the late Olympian.
Maharaja’s College Old Students Association president CICC Jayachandran presided. Principal V.S. Joy, governing council member M.S. Murali, former footballer M.M. Jacob, and association secretary Antony Joseph spoke.
Legendary footballers C.C. Jacob, Xavier Pius, Thobias, Itty Mathew, C.R. Balakrishnan, Blassy George, Shajan, and Devadas attended the function.
