Former Mohun Bagan player dies after cardiac arrest during game

Former Mohun Bagan and East Bengal defender Dhanarajan Radhakrishnan passed away on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was playing a local Sevens (seven a side) football match in Perintalmanne in Kerala when the incident occurred.

According to reports, the footballer, who was playing for FC Perintalmanna against Sastha Medicals FC Thrissur, collapsed during the match and had to be rushed to a nearby hospital immediately. The 39-year-old, however, was unfortunately declared brought dead.

Narrating the events leading up to the untimely demise, Radhakrishnan's friend Ameerudheen K told The Telegraph, "We noticed Dhanarajan falling and rushed towards him. He was taken to hospital, but all hopes were over by then. Doctors said our friend died due to cardiac arrest,” Radhakrishnan’s friend Ameerudheen K was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

“The match started at 9.30 pm and the incident happened at around 9.57 pm. We don’t even understand what happened all of a sudden. He was playing well and made some good clearances. Suddenly, he put his left hand up and collapsed,” he added.

His passing away sent shock waves around the Indian football circuit, with condolences pouring in for the departed soul. Mohun Bagan paid a heartfelt tribute to the footballer on Twitter, saying, "The Mohun Bagan family deeply condole the sudden and sad demise of former Mohun Bagan Footballer Radhakrishnan Dhanarajan. May his holy soul rest in peace."

Mumbai City FC, I-League, the All India Football Federation, Minerva Punjab FC and Kerala Blasters FC among others too remembered the departed soul.

Radhakrishnan began his career at Chirag United and went on to play for 11 years in the Indian domestic scene. He also played for Viva Kerala along with Mohammedan Sporting besides representing East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. Radhakrishnan represented Bengal in the Santosh Trophy.