Internet Desk: Indian Olympian and one time coach of Hockey team Joe Antic passed away yesterday. Family raised questions over assistance from anybody during his financial crisis.
Joe Antic represented India in Rome Olympic 1960 where India won the silver medal being defeated to Pakistan.The hockey ace was 90 when he died in Mumbai. He was survived with his son William and daughter Rita.
“He was unwell and did not come out of ICU. Please highlight the fact that no one bothered to come to his financial aid although he had brought laurels to the country,” told Antic’s son William.
The centre half of the then Indian hockey team played a key role in the winning of silver in the 1960 Games. He was also in the team played in Asian Games in 1962.
After resigning from hockey team Joe started his carrier as a coach. He was among the coaches of Indian team that won the world cup in 1973. After that he became the assistant coach of Oman. Oman played the 1982 Asian Games under his coaching.
During his coaching time in Oman he was accompanied by another Indian hockey ace S.A.S Naqvi. Naqvi was also a teammate of Joe in the golden years of Indian hockey.
“The Golden era stalwarts are now leaving one by one. The passing of Antic is another blow. I sincerely offer my deepest condolences on his sad demise. May the Almighty bless his soul to rest in peace. I pray the Almighty to give patience for the greatest loss to Antic dynasty,” said Naqvi.