Noted football coach and former India player T K Chathunni has passed away at the age of 79. He was suffering from cancer-releated ailments and breathed his last at a Kochi hospital on Wednesday morning.
Chathunni guided Kerala Police to their maiden Federation Cup triumph in 1990. He nurtured Indian legend I M Vijayan and former national player Joe Paul Ancheri during their formative years.
Chathunni managed top Indian clubs such as Mohun Bagan, Salgaocar FC, Dempo SC, Churchill Brothers and FC Kochin. He was also in charge of Chirag United and Josco FC in a managerial career spanning four decades.
Chathunni, who hailed from Chalakudy, played for Kerala and Goa at the senior level.