Olympian Felix leads Devaraj aid project

Former India captain Jude Felix, supported by his friends and players of Karnataka Lions, has opened a welfare fund to support the medical costs of Devaraj, a huge contributor to Karnataka hockey.

Devaraj, who was afflicted by polio in his childhood but has since fought the odds bravely to form the Royals Hockey Club in the 1960s that has provided a launching pad for many celebrated State players, suffered a severe stroke a few months back. The sudden attack further paralysed him, making the escalating medical costs extremely difficult for his family to bear.

“Devaraj has contributed immensely towards the development of State hockey,” Felix said after announcing the setting up of the fund, hours before Lions’ World Series match against Delhi Wizards. “It’s extremely saddening to see Devaraj suffer. My hockey friends and I have decided to set up a fund that will help his medical costs.

“Many players, including me, have been part of the club. It’s our way giving back to Devaraj for things he has done so whole-heartedly for the last 50 years. This is the start, and we request rich benefactors to come forward and make this cause a success.”

Interested people may drop in their contributions at the Karnataka State Hockey Stadium on Langford Road.