Former sports administrator Kehar Singh passes away
MUMBAI: Opinionated, bombastic, controversial and gregarious, Commander Kehar Singh, VSM (Indian Navy) ruled Mumbai football and hockey for many years at the start of this century, at times with an iron-fist. He had run-ins with his own colleagues, administrators from other sports, the national federations and even the press all the time. But one thing would always be said about him, he was a disciplinarian and a good sports administrator who tried to bring in changes in his own way.
Kehar Singh passed away after a brief illness at the MGM Hospital, Vashi, on Monday evening. He was 89 and is survived by three sons and two daughters.
Kehar Singh was an athlete, wrestler and weightlifter, who took to sports administration after his retirement as active sportsperson. He was secretary of the Indian Navy Sports Control Board and the first vice-president of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) when it was formed in 1983. He also held the post of Hon Gen Secretary and later was elected as its President.
Singh was also the secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association Limited (MHAL) for many years from 2004 before Hockey India reorganised state hockey bodies and recognised Hockey Maharashtra as the main unit giving associate membership to both Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd and Vidarbha Hockey Association. Singh held the top post in Hockey Maharashtra too.
Many old timers will still remember Singh walking gingerly from his office to the turf at the Mahindra Stadium for various matches, his son Ranvir Singh (Rana) always by his side, Singh always ensured players got an opportunity to train on the turf after matches in the evenings.
The final rites will be held at the Vashi-turbhe crematorium at 12 noon on Tuesday.