Former Indian footballer and coach T K Chathunni dies

T K Chathunni, a former Indian football player and coach, died on Wednesday morning at a private hospital here, members of Kerala football fraternity said here.

Chathunni, 79, was undergoing treatment for cancer.

One of the finest coaches in Indian football, Chathunni had a significant impact on the game for over 40 years.

Chathunni also authored an autobiography titled "Football My Soul," reflecting on his life and career in football.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan condoled his demise.

In his message, the Chief Minister recalled that Chathunni was active as a player and coach for four decades.

Condoling his demise, Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan said, "When the history of Indian football is told, Chathunni will be at the forefront." Chathunni was on the field for more than four decades as a player and coach. He had unmatched achievements as a coach, he said.

"Coach Chathunni played a major role in bringing the generation of I M Vijayan and C V Pappachan to the heights of excellence. Chathunni's demise is a great loss to the sports world," Satheesan added. 

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

He was a top-rated defender during the 1960s and 1970s and also played for India during the Merdeka Tournament 1973 in Kuala Lumpur.

Having featured in six international matches for India, he also played for clubs like EME Centre (Secundrabad), Vasco Club (Goa) and Orkay Mills (Mumbai), besides also featuring for Services in the National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy.

But it was in coaching where he made a name for himself, having credited for unearthing talents like former greats IM Vijayan, Bruno Coutinho and Jo Paul Anchery among others.

As a coach, he helped Mohun Bagan win their maiden national league title, then NFL, during the 1997-98 season.

He also holds the distinction of coaching highest number of clubs in the country including that of FC Kochin, Salgaocar FC, Dempo Sports Club and Churchill Brothers.

He coached Kerala Santosh Trophy team, Kerala Police among others.

Describing Chathunni as a top class coach, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey said: "Chathunni was a dependable defender and later a top-class coach. I extend my sincerest condolences to his family at this time of sorrow." AIFF acting secretary general M Satyanarayan stated: “TK Chathunni was a reputed footballer of his time and continued to inspire footballers of later generations with his coaching. His death has created a void in Indian football.”