Footballer R Dhanarajan dies after collapsing during match

Former I-League player Radhakrishnan Dhanarajan died on Sunday while playing in a Sevens tournament in Malappuram district when he suddenly collapsed after suffering a loss of breath and chest pain.

Indian football are passing a tragic moment after the unfortunate incident occurred in the match between FC Perinthalmanna and Sastha Thrissur. Dhanarajan collapsed during the 27th minute of the game and then he had to be stretchered off and was admitted to the Moulana Hospital nearby, but he could not be revived by the doctors.

Radhakrishnan Dhanarajan, known also as R. Dhanarajan or in short as ‘Dhana’, born in Palghat, Kerala became only 39 years old. He started playing local football before Viva Kerala signed him to give him a break at the top club football level. Then Dhanarajan was signed by Kolkata side Chirag United SC (later on known as Prayag United SC and now United SC), before playing for the Maidan big three of Mohun Bagan AC, Mohammedan Sporting and East Bengal Club.

The sad news has sent shockwaves through the Kerala football arena where Dhanarajan is very well known and is widely considered to be one of the best defenders Kerala had produced in the 2000s.

Though Dhanarajan had retired from professional football a while back, he was a regular in the Sevens circuit in Kerala.

Dhanarajan, who hails from Palakkad in Kerala, gained recognition as a central defender during his time with Viva Kerala FC who once played in the I-League. He went on to play for a host of top clubs in India including Mohammedan Sporting, Mohan Bagan and East Bengal.

He was known for his leadership skills and he was also a regular member of Kerala’s Santosh trophy teams. He was also part of the Mohammedan Sporting team that won the Durand Cup after 73 years, back in 2013, and he has also led the club.