India

Indian Legend Peter Thangaraj Passes Away

Legendary Indian goalkeeper Peter Thangaraj, who won gold at the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games, passed away on Monday after suffering a heart attack on Monday night. The former Indian international custodian suffered a heart attack on Monday morning and was admitted to the Bokaro General Hospital.

26-Nov-2008 4:24:12 PM

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He passed away at around 11:30 pm on Monday night. He is survived by his wife, one son and three daughters.

Peter Thangaraj played for the Indian national team between 1954 and 1968 and featured at the Asiads in 1954, 1958, 1962 and 1966. He was voted Asia's best goalkeeper in 1958 and is said to have been influenced by the legendary Russian goalkeeper Lev Yashin.

Thangaraj was also awarded the Arjuna Award in 1968 and played for the Indian national side at the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympics.

He played for Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting in the 1960s and was a huge fan favourite at the time.

After retiring from football, Peter Thangaraj became the coach of the Aligarh Muslim University for some time and also coached Vasco Sports Club in the early 1970s.

He later joined the Bokara Steel Plant as Sports Officer. Thangaraj was appointed as an Advisor to the Football Academy set up by the Bokaro Steel Plant.

Peter Thangaraj is often said to be the best goalkeeper to have ever played for India.

Goal.com

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