Football promoter Karkera no more
by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
Mumbai: Surendra Karkera, an ardent football enthusiast and promoter, passed away suddenly following a cardiac arrest on Tuesday afternoon at his residence in Borivali (W), according to a family member. Karkera, 71, is survived by his wife Beena, and son Vishal.
With the passing away of Karkera, football in the city has become poorer. Karkera was an active and dedicated person who worked selflessly for the promotion and development of football, especially at the grassroots level. He is the pioneer of football coaching camps for children.
The Central Bank of India football player, had founded the Bipin Football Academy in 1988 in memory of his son Bipin, a young footballer who had passed away.
Karkera conducted free coaching camps for boys and girls, thrice a year during school’s vacations (Diwali, Christmas and summer) for children at various centres in Mumbai City and the Suburbs. He ensured that each camp was under the supervision of renowned coaches.
Over the years he took the Bipin Camps to Thane, Kalyan Vasai-Virar, Ulhasnagar, Dombivali. Several players from the Bipin camps have gone on to play for established clubs in Mumbai and across the country and some represented India. A fortnight ago former India striker Steven Dias, who graduated from the Bipin Academy was the chief during the BFA camp at Dahisar.
Karkera also served the sport in Mumbai in various capacities. He was an active Committee member of MDFA and had also accompanied the Maharashtra team as manager.
Karkera’s efforts were finally acknowledged when the Mumbai Football Association recently presented him with the MFA ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award for his invaluable contribution to football.
The family is awaiting the return of his son Vishal from Toronto, Canada to perform the final rites. He is expected to arrive in Mumbai on Thursday early morning. Family sources informed that the funeral will leave at 10.00am on Thursday from residence, Jeevan Uddhar Society, Near Shanti Ashram bus stop, Jeevan Bhima Nagar, Borivali (W).
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