Veteran sports journalist K Baskaran passes away

Veteran sports journalist K Baskaran, who had carved a niche for himself in covering Indian football for four decades, died on Wednesday after a bout of illness.

He was 80 and is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters.

Baskaran, a dedicated sports scribe, had reported on most games in his long career, working for Free Press Journal, Indian Express, Newsday (defunct) and The Times of India, where he spent the better part of his career - lasting more than 25 years - before being superannuated. 

The veteran, who reported on football from all over the country when India was a force to reckon with in Asia, was also well-admired for his coverage of other games like basketball.

He also authored a book on football, 'Wills Book of Football'.