Former Olympian footballer Mariappa Kempaiah has died in Bangalore.
Kempaiah, who breathed his last on Wednesday, is survived by wife and two sons. He was 75.
Kempaiah, one of the greatest midfielder India has ever produced, represented the country in Melbourne Olympics 1956 where India finished fourth, Tokyo Asian Games 1958 and Rome Olympics in 1960.
Kempaiah came into limelight in the 1950's playing for Bangalore Muslims. He later represented Mysore State Football Association in the Santosh Trophy.
In 1956, he migrated to Kolkata and played for East Bengal and Mohun Bagan till 1964.
Describing Kempaiah's death as a big loss for Indian football, All India Football Federation president P R Dasmunsi and general secretary Alberto Colaco condoled his death.
Olympian footballer Kempaiah passes away
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