Former Mafatlal defender Tejpal Salian passes away

Mumbai, Feb 23 (UNI) Tejpal Salian, defender for Mafatlal and Maharashtra team in the Santosh Trophy, passed away this morning due to a heart attack.

Tejpal, who was 58 and is survived by his wife and a daughter, was returning from coaching the St Xavier's HS, Goregaon (East) football team when he suffered the attack and died on the spot.

Tejpal, known as a gritty defender, started off with Central Bank, then shifted to Mafatlal, captaining both teams in the Mumbai league. A natural leader on the field, he became a successful coach afterwards, guiding Union Bank of India to the Harwood League title.

He also coached the Maharashtra women's team in the National Women's Championships in Punjab and was a popular coach at Bipin Memorial Football Association camps due to his ability to interact with kids of all age groups.

Devoted to football, he continued his association with the game at school football, coaching St Xavier's High School, Goregaon (E), part of the Ryan Group of Schools, and had returned home after morning training. Tejpal's ability to bring out the best in players of calibre of international Aqueel Ansari resulted in Union Bank's Harwood League win, the team playing skillful, attractive and effective football as per coach's gameplan.

The funeral was held at 1430 hrs at Jogeshwari crematorium.

UNI