File photo of Novi Kapadia
Noted sports commentator and author Novi Kapadia passed away here on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 68 years old.
Kapadia, who is widely regarded as the voice of Indian football, suffered from motor neuron disease, a rare condition that causes the nerves in the spine and brain to stop working over time.
Due to illness, he was imprisoned in his house for the last two years and was kept on life support for the last one month.
Over the years, the veteran had covered several FIFA World Cup tournaments and was considered an authority on football in India. Eminent football expert, who has been involved in commentary for decades and has also participated in Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other multi-sport events.
Kapadia, who founded the Ashoka Club and played active football in local leagues, was highly respected by players, officials and all others associated with Indian football. He had written books like Barefoot to Boots, The Many Lives of Indian Football and others and also served as a professor at SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi.
The entire Indian football fraternity condoled the tragic demise.
All India Football Federation tweeted, “We are saddened by the passing away of renowned journalist, commentator and football pundit Novi Kapadia. His contribution shines through all he has touched through his coverage of Indian football.”
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) said in a tweet, “We are saddened by the passing away of renowned journalist, commentator and football pundit Novi Kapadia. His contribution shines through all that he has made for his coverage of #IndianFootball #RIP. touched through.” ,
Football Delhi also condoled the passing away of Kapadia, often referred to as the “voice of Indian football”.
“Novi Kapadia made an unparalleled contribution to football in Delhi, representing the Delhi State team in the Junior National Championship and playing in the Delhi League for many years,” Shaji Prabhakaran, President, Football Delhi, said in a statement.
“Novi was a legend in many ways, his passion and dedication for football cannot be expressed in words. Indian football has lost a legend who was married to football and had a deep connection with football .
“I have never met another person in Indian football who has commanded such authority and respect. Novi was our inspiration, his writings, commentaries, expert opinion, etc. were so inspiring to each and every one of us in Indian football. His Going is a big loss especially for Delhi football,” he said.
Football Delhi will hold a prayer meeting at Ambedkar Stadium on Monday in memory of Kapadia.
Meanwhile, other top clubs in the country – Bengaluru FC, ATK Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters – also expressed grief, terming it a big loss for Indian football.
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