Novy Kapadia, a veteran sports commentator and known as the voice of Indian football, passed away on Thursday at 68. He was bedridden for almost two years suffering from a motor neuron disease that causes the nerves in the spine and brain to lose function over time, and on a ventilator for the past few months.
Kapadia was a journalist and author who wrote numerous books on topics related to football. He also taught English at Delhi University’s Khalsa College for more than four decades. Although, there’s no doubt that he entirely dedicated his life to football and considered the Ambedkar Stadium of Delhi, earlier known as Delhi Gate stadium, as his second home.
Talking about his journey, Kapadia has written in one of his recent books- From barefoot to boots, that he started following the fame from his school days. Such was his passion for the sport that in 1965 he snuck out of his grandmother’s funeral to watch Mohun Bagan take on Chief of Inspectorate Lines Bangalore in the quarterfinal of Durand Cup. He further said that after returning home, he narrated the entire match to his family. This event he wrote as his “first steps in the journey towards becoming a football writer and commentator.”
Kapadia’s brilliance was not limited to India alone. He was a part of the commentary team for the Asian Games and Olympics. Kapadia was also involved in the commentary team of FIFA World Cups. Such was his experience in the field that people sought him for expertise from all around the county. And his absence will be missed by everyone as well. India has lost one of the finest voices in the commentary box.
We are saddened by the demise of Novy Kapadia, eminent journalist, commentator, and football pundit. May his contribution shine through everyone he has touched through his coverage of #IndianFootball ⚽ #RIP 💐 pic.twitter.com/NPBQMEJNg7
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) November 18, 2021
