Hockey Olympian Michael Kindo is no more: a great loss to the game of Hockey

Rajesh Mohapatra,Odishabarta

ROURKELA:Arjun Awardees, ex, Senior Manager, Rourkela Steel Plant (SAIL),hockey Olympian, Michael Kindo has breathed his last yesterday day before New Year-2021. This news before the New Year has shocked the entire sports fraternity, especially Hockey players as well as Hockey lovers. At the time of death he was 74 years ole and was treatment for sometime related to ageing problem, diabetes and knee problem.

After becoming medically ill he was taken to Ispat General Hospital and there he breathed his last. He was a soft spoken person and had served the state by promoting hockey players over a time period of 40 years. Under his guidance many hockey players have represented India and in different senior level hockey games.  He was a native of Kurdegar in Jharkhand previously in Bihar. At the time of death his s on Albert Kindo a national level Table Tennis player and Michael kindo’s wife Sheila Kindo and closed ones were present. He was best known as a classic defender and had represented our country in three world cup in the year 1971, 1973 and 1975. He represented Munich Olympic in the year 1972 where India had won the bronze medal.

Initially he joined Indian Navy and was resenting Navy in Hockey games and in 1972 he joined Indian Railway. He was also a proud member of International hockey team consisting of International Hockey players for two times. In the year 1973 he had received the prestigious Arjun Award from then President of India, Dr. V V Giri. In 1977 he got the opportunity to join SAIL and was placed in Rourkela Steel Plant. His efforts to bring juniors to good coaching finally took shape when SAIL had started SAIL Hockey Academy in the year 1992 where his efforts were unforgettable. He will always be remembered for his brilliance in the field of Hockey as well as for his lovely attitude. We have lost a great son of the State and also an International Hockey player.