Olympian SS Babu Narayan passes away

Mumbai: Olympian SS Babu Narayan, who was part of the Indian football team that represented the 1956 and 1960 Olympics, passed away on Thursday at his residence in Mumbai. As a goalkeeper, he was instrumental in India's victory in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics which led the Indian side to reach the semifinals.

He represented India in various international tournaments from 1956 to 1964 and also represented the State and Clubs in the domestic circuit. He represented Maharashtra from 1955 to 1964 in Santosh Trophy National Championship and reached the finals in 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960.

Born on November 12, 1934 in Ottapalam in Palakkad, SS Narayan had no history in the sports field. Purely led by determination coupled with passion, Narayan cemented his position as one of India’s most formidable goalkeepers.

Initially playing the game barefooted, his contribution to the Melbourne Olympics held in Australia in the year 1956 was integral in making India reach the semi-finals and secure the fourth position.  He further went on to represent the country in the 1960 Rome Olympics held in Italy. 

He has been felicitated by Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, New Delhi for his contribution to the 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympics. He was also honoured by the AIFF and then FIFA President Sepp Blatter with a medal of honour of excellence for his contribution to the sport. The funeral will be held in Thane on Friday morning.