MADURAI: G. Venugopal, part-time Sports Correspondent of The Hindu, died after a brief illness, here on Saturday night. He was 85.

A keen sports enthusiast, Venugopal was instrumental in starting the Madurai District Hockey Association and serving as its chief patron till death.

He began his post-retirement career as a sports journalist after superannuation as Public Relations Officer with Madura Coats. He served The Hindu, covering various sports events in the southern districts and elsewhere, for over two decades.

Earlier, he also worked as a sports correspondent for Indian Express. A host of sports administrators, coaches and past and present players paid homage to him at his residence on Sunday. Venugopal is survived by wife, a son and three daughters. — Special Correspondent