Famous commentator Novi Kapadia passed away, breathed his last at the age of 67

Novy Kapadia Passed Away: Known as the Encyclopedia of Indian Football, Novi Kapadia, a famous commentator and former Delhi University professor, died on Thursday after a prolonged illness. He was 67 years old. Kapadia was unmarried and after the death of his sister, there was no one in his family.

Kapadia, who has covered 9 FIFA World Cups, was on ventilator for the last one month. He had ‘motor neurone’ disease, in which the spinal nerves and brain gradually stop working. Because of this, he was locked in his house for the last two years.

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.

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.

Condoling his death, All India Football Federation said that it is saddened by the demise of renowned journalist, commentator and football pundit Novi Kapadia. He left an indelible mark through his coverage of Indian football. At the same time, top clubs like Bengaluru FC, ATK Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters also mourned 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 the Delhi League for many years. His dedication and passion for football cannot be expressed in words. Maybe. He had made football his life partner. I have not seen such a dedicated and respected person like him.”