Malappuram native, former national footballer Aseem Koraliyadan killed in Coimbatore road accident

Coimbatore: Former national footballer and Coimbatore airport customs officer Aseem Koraliyadan, 41, died in a road collision on Wednesday night.

A native of Areekode in Malappuram, Koraliyadan was travelling on his motorbike when it was struck from behind by a lorry near the airport at SITRA at approximately 9:30 p.m. The crash occurred whilst he was en route to his shift at the airport from his residence in Singanallur. He was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

A recognised figure on the national stage, Koraliyadan was formerly a member of the Kerala Under-21 squad. He notably competed in the Santosh Trophy, showcasing his skills on the pitch for Maharashtra in 2010 and for Tamil Nadu in 2013.

His prominent club football career began with Vasco SC in Goa during the 2005–06 season. He subsequently played for Salgaocar SC, followed by a stint with Mumbai FC from 2007 to 2009. Koraliyadan continued his professional journey with Mahindra United during the 2009–10 season before donning the East Bengal kit for the 2010–11 campaign. Over the course of nine I-League seasons, he represented various clubs in premier competitions, including the Federation Cup, the Durand Cup, and the IFA Shield.

Koraliyadan is survived by his parents, Maithra Koraliyadan Musankutty and Kattatte Kanjirala Sainaba; his wife, Mumthas Thamarassery; and his two children, Ziya Aseem and Iza Aseem. His twin brother, Anees Korlayadan, is also a well-known footballer, coach, and employee of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) in Kondotty. His other surviving siblings include his brothers Shameer, a contractor, and Shabeer, associated with the Malabar Masala Restaurant in Kozhikode, as well as his sister, Shameena.

Following a post-mortem examination at the ESI Medical College, Koraliyadan's remains were placed on public display at the airport's customs department. The body was transported to Areekode on Thursday evening for a public viewing at his Puthalath home. He was later taken to Maithra in Urngattiri and interred at the Maithra Juma Masjid cemetery that night.