T K Chathunni: A Football Legend's Last Goodbye

Former Indian football player and coach T K Chathunni passed away at 79. Known for his remarkable contributions as a defender and coach, he played for Kerala and Goa and coached top teams like Mohun Bagan. His death has been widely mourned by the football community and political leaders.

T.K. Chathunni, a revered figure in Indian football, has passed away at the age of 79 in a private hospital. The Kerala football fraternity confirmed his demise on Wednesday morning. Chathunni had been battling cancer.

Renowned as a defender for Kerala and Goa in the prestigious Santhosh Trophy, Chathunni later made a significant mark as a coach. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he coached several prominent teams, including Mohun Bagan, Dempo Goa, and FC Cochin. In 1979, he took the reins of Kerala's Santhosh Trophy team.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and V D Satheesan, Leader of Opposition, expressed their condolences, emphasizing Chathunni's monumental contributions to Indian football. Satheesan remarked that when the history of Indian football is narrated, Chathunni's name will prominently shine, crediting him with introducing talents like I M Vijayan and C V Pappachan to the sport's pinnacle.