Shocking! Star Indian hockey forward is no more


XtraTime Web Desk:
 A huge setback for Indian sports fraternity, as former India hockey player Sandeep Michael passed away due to a brain infection here on Friday. He was 33. Michael was admitted to Aster CMI Hospital here around five days ago. On Friday afternoon, he succumbed to the illness.
 
A talented forward, Michael won the ‘Most Promising Player’ award in the 2003 Asia Cup in Malaysia.
 
Hockey Bengaluru secretary, K. Krishnamurthy, who was the Indian team manager for the tournament, said, “Michael received the award from none other than the late Sultan Azlan Shah. Michael had the world at his feet.”
 
A fine goal that Michael scored against Pakistan in the league stage stands out. Viren Rasquinha, who played alongside Michael in that outing, said, “I can never forget his brilliant deflection against Pakistan. It was a goal of the highest quality.
 
“Michael was an intelligent player, especially inside the box. I really enjoyed playing with him,” he said.