Mr. G.R. Reddy, fondly known as ‘Raju’ amongst the hockey and sporting fraternity in the city breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Vasai, on the morning of Sunday, April 9, 2017. He was 70. In the passing away of Raju, Mumbai hockey has lost one its finest and oldest administrator, a friend and mentor to many hockey enthusiasts.
Raju, who had suffered from throat cancer, is survived by his wife, daughter and son.
Raju, had joined the Bombay Hockey Association (BHA) as an accountant in February 1971 and served the association (now Mumbai Hockey Association Limited) with distinction till his last. He officially retired a couple of years ago, but for his vast knowledge and administrative acumen he was retained by the association and continued to serve MHAL as an Administrative Officer.
MHAL President, Mangha Singh Bakshi, Hon. Secretary, Ram Singh Rathor, along with the other Executive Committee members and Managing Committee members condoled Raju’s death.
President Bakshi said, “Raju served Mumbai hockey for over 46 years. His death is a great loss for the association and Mumbai hockey. I have been associated with MHAL since 2009 and came in close contact with Raju, who has guided us on almost everything. He had a vast knowledge and told us exactly what to do and was absolutely a helping hand in all matters pertaining to the association.”
Rathor said, “He was like the encyclopedia of the Mumbai Hockey Association. He worked diligently, was forthright with his views and willingly shared his knowledge and experience whether it was in regards with organization of tournaments, team selection, finances or legal issues. He appraised me on all legal problems the association faced and he was very instrumental in helping me on how to handle and the deal with the legal battles.”
Both Bakshi and Rathor felt that a huge vacuum has been created with Raju’s passing away and that it would be difficult to fill the void.
During his tenure the association had hosted the FIH Hockey World Cup in 1982 and several international friendlies and National- level tournaments.
Raju was also the Hon. Secretary of the Thane District Hockey Association and the Hon. Secretary of the Dadra & Nagar Haveli Hockey Association.
The final rites were conducted and his body was cremated on Sunday evening.