Post sportswriter HS Manjunath dies aged 64
THE Phnom Penh Post’s chief sports writer Hirisave Srikantaiah “HS” Manjunath passed away on Monday morning following complications after hurting himself falling while covering a story. He was 64.
While at the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon on December 2, Manjunath slipped and fell in his hotel, breaking his ankle.
Having a recent history of heart problems and diabetes, the fractures put increased pressure on his weakened system and he succumbed to complications from the fall.
An official cause of death is yet to be released.
The t hird child of fat her HS Sr i k a nt a ia h a nd mot her S Jaya mma, he was bor n i n Bangalore, India on Februar y 1954. He was known to speak fondly of play ing cricket outside h i s fa mi ly home, a nd would become renowned for cricket reports for t he Hindu newspaper.
He was also an accomplished chess player, finishing runnerup in a national junior championship in his teenage years.
A keen tennis player, Manjunath will be remembered for passionately promoting local athletes and sports federations in India and his adopted home of Cambodia.
“You need to a be good sport in all of your life. Even if you have lost, life is just like sport. Handle failures in life like a good sportsman; in victory, don’t feel overjoyed either. Take everything in your stride,” was one of his sayings.
He began his career as a sportscaster in India, commentating on horse races over a loudspeaker.
A story recounts his take on life.
He would practise his commentating of the “derby” – Indian slang for horse races – in the shower, and an old lady next door who had hearing problems would mistake it for him reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama and commended him on the quality of his recitation.
It’s one of t he most sacred mantras in a l l of Hinduism and he never corrected her.
Manjunath got his big break at the Deccan Herald newspaper, where he covered sport. He was to become well known for cover i ng cr icket, espec i a l l y t h e I n d i a n i n t - er nat iona l tea m, footba l l, tennis and horseracing.”
He moved from the Deccan Herald to t he Hindu.
Arriving in Cambodia, he began working for The Post and quickly became known for his support of the local sports scene.
He developed a close relationship with the National Olympic Committee, and Tennis Cambodia.
In terms of helping sport in Cambodia “he did a lot, not only by educating people [on Cambodian sport] through his stories but also by loving it”, said Tennis Cambodia technical director Phalkun Mam.
He loved sports, which I think made it easier for him.”
He is survived by two nieces in Bangalore, Ambika Mayasandra Gunurao and Aparna Mayasandra Gunurao.
Eldest neice Ambika recalls some advice Manjunath gave her: “Do your best, follow your arrow, and make something amazing of your life and never stop smiling.”