Former Bombay (now Mumbai) and Tata Sports Club hockey legend Avitus D’Cruz passed away peacefully, here, in Mumbai on Sunday, May 8, 2022. Avitus, 81, is survived by his wife Ophelia, daughters Althea and Aloma and son Alston.
The versatile centre-half Avitus represented Bombay for over 10-12 years and also captained the team, which lost to Punjab in the 1971 Nationals final. Avitus was an asset for any coach as he could also play as a left half or right half and he donned the famed Tata’s colours with distinction for several years. He along with younger brothers Anu and Archangel played together for Tata’s in the late 1960s and 70s. Avitus also represented India in a couple of test matches.
After his playing career, Avitus, who was employed with Tisco, stayed in touch with the sport he loved and took to coaching. He coached the Tata’s, a couple of college teams and also the Bombay women’s team and was manager of the Tata’s football team.
The funeral mass was celebrated at the St. Anne’s Church, Orlem, Malad on Monday evening and the mortal remains were later cremated at a crematorium in Malad.