Khatau Thakkar, the 1951 New Delhi’s inaugural Asian Games diving double gold medallist , passed away and left for his heavenly abode last week (on October,12), Popularly known as ‘KP’, he had also won a bronze medal in High Board Diving at the 1954 Manila Asian Games and was a National Diving Champion for several years. He was bestowed with the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2014 by the Government of India.
File photo of K.P.Thakkar receiving Dhyan Chand Award From President Pranab Mukherjee .( Courtesy : Doordarshan)
The GMAAA Hon. Secretary Pradeep Divgikar, paying tributes to India’s most decorated and celebrate champion achiever in aquatics at the Asian Games, said: “Mr Thakkar, popularly called ‘KP’ by those who were close to him, was 84 and was ailing for some time. He truly was an ageless wonder whose positivity would instantly rub on any person who came in contact with him. For someone who had won three Asian Games Medals and a host of National Championships, recognition came to him very late. He was honoured with the prestigious Dhyan Chand Award – For Lifetime Achievement in 2014 (when he was aged 82) by the Government of India. Command.
“ Not once in my association of over 45 years with KP did he seem bitter or reek of rancour at being overlooked for these Awards all these years. He was always willing to give advice to young swimmers, divers, water polo players, Administrators and share the wealth of experience he had accumulated through his years of enduring excellence as a champion achiever.”