Former Football Coach T.K. Chathunni Passes Away at 80 in Kerala

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Former India international TK Chathunni passed away on June 12 at the age of 80 in a private hospital in Kerala.

An Overview of the News

• Chathunni was known for molding I.M. Vijayan into a renowned football player.

• He significantly impacted the lives and careers of many other footballers.

Playing Career

• Position: Defender

• International Representation: Played for India in the 1973 Merdeka Cup in Kuala Lumpur and other tournaments.

• Domestic Representation: Played in the Santosh Trophy for Services and Goa.

Coaching Career

• Prominent Coach: Rose to prominence as one of India’s top football coaches.

• Notable Achievements:

  • Mohun Bagan: Guided the team to its first National League title in the 1997-98 season.

  • Kerala Police: Coached the team to their first Federation Cup title in 1990.

• Coaching Teams:

  • Goa Clubs: Salgaocar, Dempo, Churchill Brothers.

  • Kerala Clubs: FC Kochin, Viva Kerala, Josco FC.

  • Santosh Trophy: Kerala’s coach in 1979.

Influence and Recognition

• Mentorship: Played a pivotal role in the development of players like U. Sharafali, V.P. Sathyan, C.V. Pappachan, and P.P. Thobias.

• Early Training: Influenced I.M. Vijayan at a young age during a three-year camp in Thrissur.

Early Career and Clubs

• Premier Tyres: Recruited as one of the first batch of players in 1972.

• Other Clubs: Played for EME (Secunderabad) and Orkay Mills (then Bombay).