Former World Cup-winning Hockey player Michael Kindo passes away aged 73

Former World Cup-winning Hockey player Michael Kindo passes away aged 73
Michael Kindo
Michael Kindo

Michael Kondo, former hockey star for India during the victorious World Cup campaign in 1975 and the bronze medal win in the 1972 Olympic Games breathed his last at a hospital in Rourkela on Thursday aged 73. He is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters.

“Michael Kindo passed away at the Ispat General Hospital due to age related problems. He was bed-ridden for quite some time and was also suffering from depression,” a family source told PTI. “His last rites will be completed tomorrow as his daughters are reaching only then,” they added.

Kindo was a full back during his playing days and played an instrumental role in the lone World Cup win for India where beat Pakistan in the final in Malaysia. Kindo was also a part of the bronze medal-winning team in the Munich Olympic Games where he also scored three goals.

Hockey India condole Kindo’s death

Hockey India took to Twitter to announce and condole the death of Michael Kindo saying, “We are deeply saddened by the demise of our former hockey player and 1975 World Cup winner, Michael Kindo. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.” The Indian Olympic Association also took to Twitter to condole his death saying, “You’ll live forever in our hearts, Michael!“

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also took to Twitter to offer condolences saying, “Deeply saddened to know the passing away of hockey legend and Arjuna Awardee #MichaelKindo, a tribal icon and part of India’s World Cup winning team of 1975. My thoughts are with his family and fans.“

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