Tuesday, Dec 23, 2003
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"Later we served together as vice presidents in the TNCA and as State selectors. He went on to chair the national selection committee. What I liked about him was that he never forced his will," Mr. Alaganan, who led Tamil Nadu to its maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in 1956, said. "A very emotional man, I have seen him weep at meetings when we took note of any committee member's passing away. His wife's demise left him a depressed man till the end. Often he would touch on his wife's passing away when we spoke on phone. In later years we were in touch mostly on telephone," he said. "He was past his best when I played with him. Even then, I could imagine what a fine medium pacer he must have been in his prime. I have seen him bat against the West Indies, the fine strokes he made in front of the wicket. I have also seen him play hockey as a centre half for MUC. In every sense of the word he was a great sportsperson," Mr Alaganan added. Krishnamachari Srikkanth, former India captain: He was a terrific sportsman. Having represented India in cricket and hockey was a great achievement. What was a striking about him was that he was a man with a lot of discipline. V.V. Kumar, former Test leg-spinner: An era has ended. It was a pleasure watching him play, a man of action that he was. His deep knowledge and understanding of the game came through when he spoke to us as manager of the State team, both in Ranji Trophy and the Gopalan Trophy fixtures. He was also among the early ones to show that cricketers can turn into fine administrators. A true gentleman. A.G. Milkha Singh, former Test batsman: He was a great man, always guided youngsters and made them feel comfortable. My father (Ram Singh) and he were great friends. So much so, that Mr. Gopalan used to call me by my father's name. My father had high regards for Mr. Gopalan's abilities in both cricket and hockey. I'll always remember Mr. Gopalan for the fatherly affection he had for me when he was manager of the state team. We'll certainly miss him at the TNCA functions. He attended them without fail. C.R. Vijayaraghavan, TNCA Secretary: The cricketing fraternity has lost one of the ablest administrators and a good friend, philosopher and guide. Ashok Kumbhat, former TNCA Secretary: He was one of the greatest cricketers Tamil Nadu produced and his death was not a great loss for Tamil Nadu but for the country. K. Jothikumaran, Secretary, Indian Hockey Federation: Gopalan was well known in the state as a hockey player. As a centre half, he caught the attention of even the legendary Dhyan Chand, who was instrumental in taking him on the 1935 New Zealand tour. G.K. Vasan, TNCC President: Recognising his contribution to cricket and hockey, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association had named the main entrance of the Chepauk stadium as the `M.J. Gopalan gate'.
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