Kochi, Aug 24: Former India footballer and Olympian O Chandrasekhar, who was part of the gold medal-winning Indian team at the 1962 Asian Games, died on Tuesday at his residence here, family sources said.

He was 85, and survived by three children.

Chandrasekhar, a defender in his playing days, was suffering from age-related ailments for some time, a source associated with the family told PTI.

He was a member of the Travancore-Cochin Santosh Trophy team and had captained the Indian team in a few tournaments.

Most notably, he was a member of the 1960 Rome Olympics Indian team besides being part of the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games.

The footballer played for India from 1958-1966. He hails from Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district.

He has a total of 25 caps to his name and also played in the Asian Cup Qualifiers in 1959, where he made his international debut, and Merdeka Cup in 1961, among other tournaments.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) condoled the demise of Chandrasekhar.

At the domestic level, he represented Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy from 1959-1965, lifting the trophy in 1963.

He played for Caltex Club from 1958-1966 and then the State Bank of India from 1967-1972.

In his condolence message, AIFF president Praful Patel said: "It is saddening to hear that Mr. Chandrasekhar is no more. He was a key part of one of the most successful Indian teams ever and his contribution to the sport in India can never be forgotten. I share the grief."

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said: "Chandrasekhar has been an inspiring figure for people across generations and won many laurels through his career. I send my condolences to his family and pray for his soul to rest in peace.

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Panambur: A two-wheeler rider died on the spot after a lorry allegedly hit his bike near the Indian Oil petrol pump in Panambur on Thursday evening.

The deceased has been identified as Shivadas Ganapathi Nayak, a native of Ankola taluk in Uttara Kannada district, who was residing in a rented house in Bejai, Mangaluru.

According to police, Shivadas was employed at a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Baikampady and was returning home after work when the accident occurred. Police said the lorry hit his bike from behind. He fell and was run over by the rear wheel of the lorry, resulting in his death.

Mangaluru North Traffic Police Inspector Shivakumar M. and his team visited the scene, conducted an inspection, and initiated further legal proceedings. Further investigation is underway.



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