Captain of ITI Federation Cup winning team PS Lionel no more

PS Lionel, the captain of the first edition of Federation Cup champion, Indian Telephone Industries, Bengaluru, passed away yesterday at his residence at Horamavu. 

Lionel was a true representative of the bygone days of typical Mysuru brand footballers, who relied on playing short passes, and quick exchanges of positions to baffle the opposition. His best days were witnessed in Calcutta when Lionel, along with a few other Mysuru footballers, Ramanna, Pappana, and Anthony Andrews. 

Lionel returned back to hometown to join ITI after playing with much success in Chennai and Calcutta. Prior to that he represented several local teams like Bangalore Mars, Muslim Heroes, 515 Army Base Workshop, and HAL. ITI went on winning the inaugural Federation Cup in 1977 at Ernakulam, Kerala under his captaincy. 

During Lionel's tenure, ITI was regarded as one of the best footbball clubs in the country. His body was taken to Christian Cemetery, Ulsoor, the burial services took place today evening. The football fraternity were present in numbers to pay last homage to the great footballer. 

   

Former state captain, member of Federation Cup winning ITI team Kantharaj no more

A Kantharaj, 75, former captain of Karnataka state football team and ITI passed away last Friday, February 25 morning 7 am at his residence in Hoskote. 

Kantharaj was employed with and a part of the all-conquering Bangalore’s Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) team that won many tournaments but most importantly the first edition of Federation Cup in 1977.

Known for his robustness and leadership skills, Kantharaj was regular in the Santosh Trophy team thru the 70s. His most important feat was in 1976 State Nationals where he lost of Bengal in the final.

Later, Kantharaj focussed on developing football near his area of residence, he formed Town SC Hoskote. This football club was regular in BDFA C Division League. He was an integral part of Karnataka State Football Association (KSFA) and served as a general body member in KSFA.

Kantharaj is survived by his wife and three sons. The burial service took place on Saturday morning. The football association condoled the death of the former star and prayed for his bereaved family. Also, a minute’s silence was observed during the games in Friday’s A Division Women’s League. 

 

Football great Ramakrishna 'Rami' no more

E Ramakrishna, 91, popularly known as Rami expired today afternoon at his residence at Gavipuram, Guttahalli, Bangalore. He represented then Mysore state and Bangalore Blues before joining ITI and playing a major role in shaping the club’s future. 

Ramakrishna ventured outside the state and plied trade at Calcutta (1953), Madras (1954), Ernakulam (1955-), Trivandrum (1956). Also, he represented the Indian national team against a Russian team played at Bangalore in 1956.

While with ITI, Rami won all the major trophies including the George Hoover Cup (BDFA League). He was one of the pillars behind ITI winning the first edition of Federation Cup in 1977. He coached ITI for more than a decade. 

KSFA entrusted him with coaching assignment of the state youth teams. Also, he was instrumental in promoting women's football in the city. Later he joined Bangalore United Football Club, several footballers trained under him; he played an important role in shaping up their career.

 

Former ITI and State goalkeeper Francis Ignatius no more

Francis Ignatius, former goalkeeper who served Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) and Karnataka for more than a decade passed away today at his workplace at ITI today morning owing to a heart attack. Francis, 56 years, is survived by his wife and two college-going children. 

Francis Ignatius was a part of the Indian team in the Tata Super Soccer Series games that were played in Chennai and Kochi. His body was kept at the ITI Hospital till 2 pm today, later the mortal remains left for Trichur, Francis' hometown. 

KSFA and BDFA officials visited the ITI Hospital to pay last respect to the dependable goalkeeper. 

Former footballer Antic no more

Antic Lydwin, 50, ITI employee, and former state and ITI player died of a heart attack today morning. Antic was known for his stylish brand of football. He started with 515 Army Base Workshop and Madura Coats before joining ITI.

Also, Antic acted in minor roles in a few movies. 

A minute of silence was observed during the BDFA B Division League match at the Bengaluru Football Stadium today.

ITI beat HAL to win 'Legends' exhibition game

Bengaluru FC Media 

A second half double from former India international and National League winner R.C. Prakash handed Indian Telephone Industries FC (ITI) a thrilling 2-0 victory over Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC (HAL) in an exhibition game organized by Bengaluru FC at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, Prakash (31’, 40’) finished off two brilliant counter attacking moves with Bengaluru FC player Harmanjot Khabra assisting on both occasions. Khabra in fact, was joined by first team players Erik Paartalu and Gursimrat Singh Gill in the ITI squad, while Chencho Gyeltshen, Juanan Gonzalez and Rahul Bheke turned out in HAL colours for a cameo in the second half.

Meanwhile, ITI custodian Balaji Narsimhan pulled off some brilliant saves to deny striker Xavier Vijayakumar who was a livewire for HAL throughout the game and keep their lead intact.

With the West Block of the stadium flocked by a number of vocal fans across all age groups, the legends were cheered on throughout the sixty-minute game as they went all out re-igniting their old rivalry.

HAL, ITI legends face-off tomorrow at Football Stadium

Bengaluru FC Media  

Bengaluru FC is organising an exhibition game between erstwhile football powerhouses, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited SC (HAL) and Indian Telephone Industries FC (ITI) at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Saturday, January 19 at 4 pm. 

Notable players who will be taking part in the showpiece event include RC Prakash, Balaji Narasimhan, M Babu, Sunil (ADE), Muralidharan and Ilyas Pasha for ITI, while HAL will have the likes of Xavier Vijayakumar, Sunil, Satish Kumar and Gangadharan in their ranks. 

Speaking on the decision to organise the game, club COO, Mustafa Ghouse said, “HAL and ITI are institutions, not only in Karnataka but on the Indian football map and this game is our way of honouring their contribution to the sport. We’re proud that Bengaluru FC belongs to a city that has a rich football history and a lot of it is down to these two teams.” 

Proceeds from the sale of tickets to the game, which will be available on matchday at the Bangalore Football Stadium, will go to the HAL and ITI teams, and will be priced between Rs. 30 and Rs. 100. 

SQUADS

HAL: Basheer, Jeevanandan, Willian Crasta, Satish Kumar, Sunil, U Babu, Rajendra, Raju Sr., Paul, Somu, Gangadaran, Lawrence Sr., Lawrence Jr., Xavier Vijayakumar, Arvind, Yoganathan, Jacob, Vinod.

RD Babu (Coach), Ravindranathan (Manager).

ITI: Sundareshan, Mohan Kumar, Shakaf, Subramaniam, Aslam Khan, P. Kumar, Thomas, Rahmathulla, Rajashekar, Emanuel, Fairoz, John Kenneth Raj, Karun Raj, Vigalmani, Raja, Nazeer Ahmed, Ambrose, RC Prakash, Lionel, Vishnu, Muthukrishna, Ashwath Murthy, Rozario Estebiero, Ronnie Estebiero, Padmanabhan, Sendhil, Avijit Chaterjee, Francis, Verghese, Venkatesh R., Manohar, Harry Frank, Kumar, Harry Philips, Dinakaran, Antic, Tamilmuthu, Charles.

Sri. Kantharaj (Coach), M Babu (Manager).

Balaji receive Karnataka Olympic Association Award

Former India international and keeper of ITI, Pune FC, and HAL, Balaji Narasimhan, was awarded by the Karnataka Olympic Association (KOA) last night at an event held in the State Youth Centre. He was presented a cheque of One lakh rupees along a memento by Vajubhai Vala, the Governor of the state. 

Also, awarded were the ten active sportspersons, two former players, and a sports medicine and media expert. 

Keen to take up coaching seriously, Balaji was a part of the Pune FC since its inception in 2007.

List of Awardees

Daniel S Farid (badminton), Anil Kumar (basketball), Naveen John (cycling), Pradhan Somanna (hockey), V Avinash (judo), Sharmadaa Baluu (tennis), B Nikhil (shooting), M Avinash (swimming), V Kushi (table tennis), Sandeep Kate (wrestling)

Retired sportspersons: Subramani (hockey), Balaji Narasimhan (football), Udaya Kumar (tennis) 

Hemanth Sampaje (media), Dr. Kiran Kumar Kulkarni (sports medicine)

S Thomas the first Federation Cup winning coach passes away

S Thomas, football player of the 60s, who turned up for the top clubs of India and coached the first Federation Cup winning team, ITI passed away today early morning at his residence. 

Thomas was 77 years old and was suffering from heart ailment. He left his only daughter, unfortunately, Thomas lost his wife only fifty days ago. 

During the heydays, Thomas played for East Bengal (63-66) and Mohammedan Sporting (67-71). He represented Karnataka in Santosh Trophy for five years.

Former Federation Cup winner Lourdhanathan no more

A Lourdhanathan, left-back for ITI, and member of the team that won the inaugural Federation Cup in 1977 passed away yesterday afternoon in his house Rammurthy Nagar, he was 71 years old. 

He was suffering from Seizures since last month and was admitted to Philomena hospital. He left wife, a son and daughter, and grandchildren. His body was body kept at the Family Holy Church, Ramamurthy Nagar for prayer. 

Lourdhanathan started his football career with Jawahar Union in 1965. Later he captained his club in the BDFA league and Puttaiah Memorial Trophy. 

In 1970, he represented the then Mysore state in the prestigious Southern Pentangular Tournament at Colombo, Sri Lanka. 

He was member of the first Federation Cup winner, ITI. Later he was shifted to ITI Jr. FC and played till 1983. He Represented BDFA XI in the Nizam Gold Cup during the 70s. 

As per Lourdhanathan’s last wish, his body was handed over to St. John Medical Hospital. KSFA and BDFA today condoled the death of the former footballer.

Former India and ITI footballer commits suicide

Former national footballer A S Firoz committed suicide on today at Kechery,h Trissur district in Kerala. According to the local police the 34 year old stout defender took this drastic step at his at his residence. He is survived by his wife and two children. 

Alleged reports suggest of some family issues behind the suicide. Firoz was found in a serious condition after he attempted hanging. He was taken to hospital, however, his life could not be saved. 

ITI's AS Firoz (on the ground) foils HAL's Ishfaq Ahmed's attempt to score, as Raja Baliev Nuralan (left) watches on in the National Football League match at Bangalore on Saturday, Nov 24, 2002.

 Picture Source: The Hindu

Firoz played for India in the Pre Olympic qualifiers (U-23). He represented his state, Kerala five times in the Santosh Trophy. Also, he was a member of U-23, U-21 state teams, Kerala Football Association sources said. 

Firoz forayed into the domestic scene while playing for FC Cochin, later he turned out for ITI, Churchill Brothers, Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting. 

This what Noel Wilson, Feroze’s colleague for many years said:

Just heard about Firoz, very unfortunate! I played the first year of my professional carrier with him in FC Kochin. We were together in Churchill  Brothers, then again in Mohun Bagan club, and finally in Mohammedan Sporting. 

Noel spent half of his professional career playing with Firoz

He was a defender, a very strong and an intelligent defender. I’m unable to find any reason why he took such decision? Very sad day for me to know such thing happened to a person I was very close. I’ve spent half of my professional club playing with him. Really sad!

He was one of my closest friend, I don’t know what prompted him to do that stupid thing! Really feel sorry for his family members and his wife.

Former HAL captain, Dronacharya Awardee Xavier VijayKumar:

Can’t believe the news. I’ve played against him in several occasions during the HAL-ITI derby, especially in the Puttaiah Memorial tournament. He was a good defender.
My condolences for his family!