Former India Centre forward Prabhakaran passes away

Chennai, Apr 6 (UNI) L Prabhakaran, the former India forward and a member of the team that won the hockey gold in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, died here this afternoon following a heart attack.

He was 33. He is survived by his wife and a daughter.

Family sources said he was found unconscious at his house in the afternoon, with a feeble pulse.

He was rushed to a private hospital, where he died soon after admission.

His body would be taken to native Thanjavur district where the last rites would be held tomorrow.

Prabhakaran, who was working as an assistant manager in Indian Bank, had played for India from 1993 to 1998.

Tamil Nadu Hockey Association (TNHA) Secretary and Indian Hockey Federation Secretary-General K Jothikumaran condoled the death of Prabhakaran.

He recalled the contributions made by Prabhakaran for the state team as a mercurial centre forward. He was instrumental in Tamil Nadu entering the finals of the Rangaswamy Cup national Hockey champions in 1997 and 1998.

Prabhakaran was a guide and role model for youngsters and had also expressed his desire to coach Tamil Nadu's junior team, Mr Jothikumaran said and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

UNI