A pall of gloom descended on the football fraternity once news of the passing away of a legend spread, for such was the aura that Olympian T. Shanmugam had.
The 93-year-old footballer, known for his exploits during the ‘barefoot’ days, was revered not only by his peers but succeeding generations.
Shanmugam lived and breathed football during an era when India fared well at the Asian level.
The skinny, but ebullient midfielder began his footballing career after watching the Britishers at the Garrisson grounds and Sullivan Police grounds in the late 1930s.
The Goa Government honoured him with a State award for his contribution to football.
The KSFA and BDFA condoled the death.
