AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: All India Football Federation (AIFF) condoles the sad demise of the 1962 Asian Games gold medal-winning team member D Ethiraj, who breathed his last on Friday (December 11, 2020). He was 86 years old.

The prolific centre forward was a member of the historic Chuni Goswami-led Blue Tigers side that beat Korea Republic 2-1 in the Games final in Jakarta, Indonesia to clinch the gold medal.

Mr Praful Patel, President, All India Football Federation, in his message said: “It’s sad to hear that DM Ethiraj is no more. He was one of the members of the golden generation of Indian Football. I share the grief.”

Mr Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football Federation, shared: "Ethiraj was a naturally talented and gifted forward. May his soul Rest in Peace.”

At the club level, he represented Madras Engineering Group from 1957 to 1963. He played a crucial part for his team in reaching the final of the DCM Trophy in 1959.

Additionally, Ethiraj represented the Services in the Santosh Trophy from 1958 to 1962. He scored five goals to guide his team to their maiden Santosh Trophy title, beating defending champions Bengal in 1960-61.