K ARUMUGAM

A colossus of the sporting world has fallen. S. Thyagarajan—the man who served as the face of Indian hockey journalism from his very first byline to his last—has passed away in Chennai.

To the global community, he was ‘Mr. T,’ a legend whose voice was often the “last word” in the world of hockey. His circle of friends spanned every continent, a testament to a life spent documenting the soul of the game with unmatched authority. To me, however, he was more than a veteran scribe; he was a chosen mentor who became a dear friend.

Our bond was rooted in a deep, mutual respect for the craft. I made it a point to send him the very first copy of every new book I wrote. Without fail, he would acknowledge them, sending back his views and critiques—feedback I cherished more than any review. It was his prose in The Hindu that originally ignited my passion for journalism, and his continued guidance that sustained it.

Whether we were covering tournaments together in India or overseas, Thyagu made every minute in the press box feel alive. He was the master of the “scoring” remark—jovial, sharp, and brilliantly sarcastic. Even during our last meeting at his residence three years ago, that trademark cheerfulness was undiminished, a final memory I will always hold dear.

A great personality has left us, but his legacy is as vast as the stadiums he covered. His words will live forever in the archives of history, and his spirit will always have a seat in the press box.

Rest in peace, Sir. You will be missed beyond measure.