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Vishnumohan passes away

Special Correspondent

Vishnumohan had to his credit many a memorable performance, during his long career
He was an avid golfer and was also a former President of Madras Gymkhana Club

Chennai: Former tennis champion and a stalwart among sportsmen from this State, S. Vishnumohan, passed away on Saturday. He was 83.

A scion of the Buchi Babu Nayudu family, Vishnu dominated the city tennis scene in the Forties, until Ramanathan Krishnan took over.

Renowned for his style and powerful stroke play, the bespectacled Vishnumohan had to his credit many a memorable performance, during his long career, including a victory over Polish Davis Cupper, Spychala, in the National hard court championships here.

Son of Tulsidas Nayudu, Arbitrator, Town Planning Scheme, (Madras), Vishnumohan was born on March 27, 1926. He had the distinction of being initiated to tennis by his mother, Choodamani, a sister of the former double international, C. Ramaswami, and the famous cricketing brothers, M.V. Ramanujulu (Bhatt) and M. Baliah. After a stint at Raja’s College High School, Kakinada, Vishnu joined Loyola and emerged as the top inter-collegiate player. He donned the varsity colours, leading the team to trophy triumphs at Trivandrum and Lahore,

He had the benefit of coaching from N. Krisahnaswami and T.B. Balagopal.

Vishnu, who won titles at national level competitions in Madras, Mysore, Vijayawada and Madanapallle, beat players of that era like B.R. Kapinapathi and P.S. Seshadri. Partnering cousin, M.V. Bobjee, he represented India in the All Ceylon championships, and also figured in the qualifying event at Wimbledon. He eventually took part in mixed doubles.

After graduating from Presidency and Law Colleges, Vishnumohan joined the Gordon Woodroffe and rose to become the Managing Director. He was an avid golfer and was also a former President of Madras Gymkhana Club.

Vishnumohan is survived by wife and three daughters.

Mr. P.L. Reddy, former Secretary, AILTA, said “Vishnu was more than a friend to me. We played in several tournaments since 1947 and shared many memorable moments. He was a thorough gentleman and a wonderful doubles partner.”

The Tamil Nadu Tennis Association has condoled the passing away of Vishnumohan. A press release from TNTA described Vishumohan as a “stylish player with an excellent serve. He was popular in tennis circles all over India.”

Tennis Maestro Ramanathan Krishnan said, “I feel very sad hearing about his passing away. My memory goes back to the fifties when I came to Madras and it was playing players like Seshadri and Vishnumohan, two of the best players those days that my tennis improved because they provided me the competition in my junior days.

Vishnu had a good serve and volley game and I owe to Vishumohan for making me a good grasscourt player. I will miss him. May his soul rest in peace.”

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