New Delhi: Former Olympian footballer Mariappa Kempaiah has died in Bangalore. Kempaiah, who breathed his last on Wednesday, is survived by wife and two sons. He was 75. Kempaiah, one of the greatest midfielder India have ever produced, represented the country in Melbourne Olympics 1956 where India finished fourth, Tokyo Asian Games 1958 and Rome Olympics in 1960.

Kempaiah came into limelight in the 1950s playing for Bangalore Muslims. He later represented in the Santosh Trophy.

In 1956, he Mysore State Football Association migrated to Calcutta and played for East Bengal and Mohun Bagan till 1964.

Describing Kempaiah’s death as a big loss, All India Football Federation president PR Das Munsi and general secretary Alberto Colaco condoled his death. (PTI)