A shocked football fraternity is yet to come to the terms with the sudden death of state footballer Arun Kumar reserve goalkeeper of the HAL football team.
A shocked football fraternity is yet to come to the terms with the sudden death of state footballer Arun Kumar reserve goalkeeper of the HAL football team.
Known to be a reticent, God-fearing type, Arun, 24, was a diligent player who was constantly seeking to improve his skills.
“He wouldn’t even step out of the hotel room when we went to other places for our matches,” says Nirmal Kumar, one of his friends and teammates.
“We played together in the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-21 teams. He would always carry a Bible, and never went out like the rest of us while we were on a tour.”
Hailing from KGF, which has supplied several top footballers to the state and country, Arun was raised and mentored by his uncle, BEML goalkeeper Rajan. Having turned out for the state team and even an Under-19 India camp, Arun played with I-League club Viva Kerala last season before earning HAL colours this year.
“He had lost both his parents long ago,” said HAL striker Xavier Vijay Kumar, who also hails from KGF. “He was brought up by his uncle. He was a very good player, and a good person.”
HAL captain J Murali hoped the company would ensure adequate compensation for Arun’s family. “He came from a poor family,” Murali said.
“He was very gentle and had no bad habits. He was very hard working and would constantly seek my advice on improving his skills. It looks like it (his death) was due to a mistake by the hospital. The company should ensure a compensation for his family,” the HAL football team captain said.
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