Former Table Tennis Champion Vilas Mantri, who represented Maharashtra in the early 60s is no more. He passed away today afternoon in the hospital in Mumbai, where he was being treated for his ailment. He was 68. He is survived by his wife Sudha, sons Shreyas, Vineet, daughters in law and grand daughters. For the past few years, Vilas was not keeping good health and was hospitalized on few occasions.
Vilas Mantri
Table Tennis had always been his passion since his childhood and he went on to show his progress in this game at the age of 15, when he represented Maharashtra Juniors at the nationals and even won the doubles crown along with his partner Uday Gurjar. Vilas who later joined Reserve bank of India, played for RBI team for almost 20 years and won many trophies for RBI team while playing with his other colleagues, who kept on changing. Vilas also won many titles in Men’s doubles during 70s, partnering T.N.Gopal. During late 60s and early 70s he was in top form defeating many national ranked players. After his retirement from the game, Vilas had also served as Hon.Secretary of Bompay Table tennis Players Association , Hon.TT Secretary of PJ Hindu Gymkhana and Jt. Hon.Secretary of MSDTTA.
Many prominent TT players have paid tributes to this champ, after the news about his sad demise spread on social networking sites. Yogesh Desai the current Veterans National Champion and Jt. Hon. Secretary of MSDTTA, who is out of town has quickly reacted on his social networking page, stating, “ Vilas was not only a good player of yesteryears but he also served the game as Jt. Hon.Secretary of MSDTTA , till his health permitted. May almighty bestow eternal peace to his divine soul.” His funeral will take place around 5.30 pm today. His residential address is B2/74, RBI Snehadhara Society, Dadabhai Cross Road no. 3, Vile Parle West, Mumbai.