Last night, tragedy struck in Tamil Nadu as a young Kabbadi coach, at the tender age of 26, suddenly passed away due to a heart attack while he was coaching his students. The tournament was being held in Kulithalai, Karur district, and the coach had been full of enthusiasm while training his students just moments before he collapsed. It is painfully clear that his passing has left the sport’s community grieving, as he had been devoted to passing on his knowledge and expertise to the rising generation of athletes. This is yet another heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life is, and has caused many people to take stock of their lives and cherish their loved ones even more.
Manickam has truly been an inspiration to the village of Karichikaranpatti, hailing from near Vedasandur in Dindugul district. He is known not only as a coach, but also as a mentor and leader to his team and the whole community. His passion for the game has encouraged many local players to take part in the tournament under his guidance, creating a larger presence for his beloved hometown village and being cheered on by many villagers whenever he returns home with success. Manickam’s presence and story is surely one of encouragement and optimism within his community that prove anyone can accomplish their goals with hard work and dedication no matter where they are from.
After months of impassioned teaching and dedicated coaching, the moment had finally arrived. His students were preparing to enter the tournament, with his teachings serving as the blueprint. Despite having a severe chest pain, he continued to differentiate between various moves, lecture on the use of force, and motivate his students for the upcoming challenge. After carefully watching them excel in their matches – proving that hard-work does indeed pay off – he suddenly collapsed due to pain. He never got to witness his students win or celebrate their achievements; yet he made sure they did not lack guidance in moments of uncertainty. It was this undying commitment and courage which forged everlasting bonds between him and his students.
Shekhar was a humble man who spent the last years of his life caring for those in need. He dedicated himself to alleviating suffering and bringing joy to his community whenever possible. Unfortunately, his own health took a turn for the worse and he was rushed to a private hospital at Aiyarmalai seeking treatment. Despite every effort made to give him proper care, Shekhar sadly passed away as he was being shifted to the Government hospital for advanced treatment. His sudden loss has left an indelible mark on those who knew him and serves as an example of how precious our lives are. Shekhar will be remembered fondly and always kept alive in our hearts.
Chief Minister M.K.Stalin has shown his deep sympathy for popular Kabbadi coach, whose death has been met with profound grief and sorrow. Taking into consideration the contribution of this coach to the game, a solatium of Rs two lakh was announced by Mr Stalin from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund towards providing financial support to surviving family members. This move by the chief minister demonstrates his care and respect for those who have worked steadfastly in their fields to contribute to society. It is also a reminder of the state government’s commitment in recognizing such acts of valour in sports and also honoring those who provide exemplary contributions through their dedication and hard work.
The outpouring of love and support for the coach’s family and students was heartwarming. Many people showed their respects, offering condolences to his family members and those he coached. This kind gesture was a testament to his impact on the lives of those around him, even after his passing. His students—who only had begun to learn from him—are now missing out on the opportunity to learn a valuable trade thanks to this tragedy. It is certain that he will be greatly remembered by all who knew and worked with him.
