Known as the ‘Encyclopedia’ of Indian football, Novi Kapadia, a former Delhi University professor and commentator, died here on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 67 years old. Kapadia was unmarried and had no one in his family after the death of his sister.
What happened to Novi?
Government gave money for treatment
Kapadia, who was forced to stay in bed for a long time, had recently come into the limelight due to pension related issues when former Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju intervened in the matter and got him financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh. Kapadia has been commentating on Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games for the last several decades.
Novi had written many books
Kapadia, the founder of Ashoka Club, played football in the local league. He also wrote the book ‘Barefoot to Boots: The Many Lives of Indian Football’. Apart from this, a guide for football lovers was also written in 2014. He was also a former professor at SGTB Khalsa College.
Wave of mourning in the sports world
Condoling his death, All India Football Federation said, “Saddened by the passing away of renowned journalist, commentator and football pundit Novi Kapadia. He left an indelible mark through his coverage of Indian football. Top clubs like Bengaluru FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters also condoled his death.
Shaji Prabhakaran, President, Football Delhi said, “Novi Kapadia’s contribution to Delhi Football is incredible. He was in the Delhi Pradesh team in the Junior National Championship and played in the Delhi League for many years. His dedication and passion for football cannot be expressed in words, he made football his life partner, I have not seen such a dedicated and respected person like him.
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