Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kannur: Former Secretary of All India Football Federation (AIFF) P P Lakshmanan passed away on Monday.
Lakshmanan served as Secretary of AIFF during 1988 to 1996 and its Treasurer from 1984 to 1988. He also served as a FIFA Appeal Committee Member during 2005 to 2011.
Acknowledged as the man who brought professionalism and introduced the national league to Indian football, Lakshmanan was also executive president of the AIFF besides being its Technical Committee Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, and Senior Vice President.
He was the first Indian to be honoured with the Golden Star from the Asian Football Confederation. Lakshmanan was also President of the Kerala Football Association.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered his condolences at the demise of Lakshmanan. He said Lakshmanan had been a live presence in the social and sport fields of Kannur. He had toiled for the growth of sports, and was noted internationally as a capable football organiser.
Lakshmanan is survived by his wife Dr Prasanna and five children.
The thoughts and prayers of the AFC and the rest of the Asian football community are with the family and friends of Lakshmanan.