Former Indian national champion Venugopal Chandrasekhar has passed away from COVID-19 complications at the age of 64. Chandrasekhar, or "Chanda" as he was affectionately known, won three consecutive men's singles national championships from 1979-1981. In his final appearance in the nationals in 1983, he lost to Kamlesh Mehta, who went on to win the first of his then-record eight national titles. In 1984, a simple knee surgery went horribly awry. Chandrasekhar was given a nearly lethal dose of anesthetic, causing brain damage and blindness. He spent 36 days in a vegetative state, and 81 total days in the hospital before he could go home. Chandrasekhar eventually regained about 70 percent of his vision, but was never the same. "There are times when I stumble on the footpath, and people have thought that I was drunk," wrote Chandrasekhar in his 2006 autobiography. "That is when it hurts for it is not my fault." After years in the courts, Chandrasekhar won a settlement from the hospital. Although he was no longer able to compete in the sport he loved, he found a way to stay involved and help subsequent generations. As a coach, Chandrasekhar developed top players such as former women's national champion M.S. Mythili, former men's champion S. Raman and current men's champion Sathiyan Gnanasekaran. All-time great Kamlesh Mehta highlighted his old rival and longtime friend Chandrasekhar's influence on the sport in India. "It was he who made topspin popular in India," admitted Mehta. "He learned the skills at (Ichiro) Ogimura’s academy in Japan." Sharath Kamal Achanta, who went on to eclipse Mehta with a record nine national championships, shared his reflections on Twitter. "We have lost a champion who fought death 37 years ago," tweeted Achanta. "Table Tennis as a sport has lost a great mentor, coach and an amazing player. He made the sport famous in the early 80's. Rest in Peace, Sir." Reigning national champion Sathiyan Gnanasekaran also paid his respects. "Completely shocked and indeed a very personal loss to me and my family," said Chanda's star student. "Your memories and teachings will always stay with me sir. RIP." Venugopal Chandrasekhar passed away today, May 12, 2021, survived by his wife Mala and son Sanjay. His influence on Indian table tennis, on the other hand, is immortal.

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