C. Neelasivalingaswamy, 55, former State long distance runner, Secretary, TNAA, and Treasurer, AFI, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday at Thiruvananthapuram.
Neela, as he was affectionately known, suffered a stroke a few days ago in his native town Nagercoil, and was rushed to Thiruvananthapuram for better medical attention. But the end came at 2.30 a.m. on Wednesday.
A former university star athlete in long distance races, Neela worked for the Income-Tax department before taking over sports administration. As Secretary of the TNAA he was instrumental in bringing to the city and the State several national and international competitions.
Elevated to the role as Treasurer in the national federation, Neela represented the AFI in several meetings and was also the manager of the Indian team in the Guangzhou Asiad. Neela is survived by wife Jayanthi, a former volleyball player, and two daughters.
