Kozhikode: Auto Chandran alias NP Chandrasekaran (84), a fan who made the chemistry of football his life, passed away. Just before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar, Chandran’s return from the field of life is a big news for football lovers. For more than seven decades, football galleries in Malabar
It was exciting. No matter where the football tournament takes place in the country, Chandra, the horn-whiskered man, will overcome the odds and become a presence in the gallery. When all the famous players of the country came to Kozhikode, they used to drive around in Chandretan’s auto. It was also a curious sight for the townspeople. Chandran has seen all the major tournaments held in Malabar since 1950. The passion I felt for football right from my school days continued till now. The unexpected farewell comes when the football frenzy finally takes hold in Qatar. He was under treatment for two weeks. He died at his home in Thopa, Kozhikode.
He has held the positions of Vice President of Breeze Football Club and Patron of District Football Association. Wife: Pushpavalli. Children: Chandraprasad, Pushparaj (former Kerala Police football player), Ambili (teacher, Dubai). Nephews: Reena and Shasilal. Siblings: Shanmukhan (Retd.Colonel), Dr. Sivadasan (Ex-RMO, Beach Govt. General Hospital), Karunakaran (Retd.Army), Padmanabhan, Dayavathy, Sarayu, Kuttykrishnan and late Sarojini (Baby). Accumulation Friday.