Renowned football journalist, sports writer, commentator, and novelist Bhasi Malapparamba passed away at his residence, ‘Love Dale’ (Loudain), in Malapparamba, Kozhikode, on Tuesday night around 9:00 PM following age-related illnesses. He was 85. His funeral will take place at 6:00 PM today (Wednesday, November 4) at the Mavoor Road crematorium (Smrithipatham) in Kozhikode.
Widely celebrated as one of the Indian journalists to have covered the highest number of FIFA World Cups on the ground, Bhasi reported directly from eight editions of the tournament spanning over three decades, in addition to the 2008 UEFA European Championship. Beginning his World Cup reporting journey at the 1982 tournament in Spain, he went on to cover the 1986 (Mexico), 1990 (Italy), 1998 (France), 2002 (South Korea–Japan), 2006 (Germany), 2010 (South Africa), and 2014 (Brazil) FIFA World Cups for various Malayalam print and visual media outlets.
From the press box, he witnessed and chronicled several of global football’s most iconic moments firsthand, including Diego Maradona’s famous ‘Hand of God’ goal in 1986 and Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final. Over the course of his illustrious career, he met and interacted with legends of the game such as Pelé—whose personal autograph remained one of his prized possessions—and Diego Maradona, while also conducting interviews with English football greats Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, and Peter Shilton.
Born on May 10, 1941, in Malapparamba to Kulangarakkandi Chanthukutty and Chiruthakutty, Bhasi completed his schooling and higher education at Malapparamba LP School, Cholappurath UP School, Zamorin’s College High School, and Malabar Christian College before earning a diploma in civil engineering from the Government Polytechnic College, West Hill. He subsequently joined the Public Works Department (PWD) as a civil engineer, retiring from service in 1996.
Also read – Football through Bhasi Malapparamba, Kerala’s World Cup Legend
Before making his mark in the press box, Bhasi was an accomplished footballer in Kozhikode’s vibrant local circuit. He captained his polytechnic team, the Kozhikode district football team, and the prominent Young Challengers Club, making numerous appearances in the prestigious Sait Nagjee Football Tournament. Later, he transitioned into the commentary box, captivating audiences with his booming, resonant voice on All India Radio (Akashvani) and at major tournaments including the Santosh Trophy, the Nehru Cup International Tournament, and the Sait Nagjee Trophy. He also served as the Vice President of the District Sports Council and held leadership roles across numerous sports, arts, and cultural organisations in Kozhikode.
A prolific writer who bridged the worlds of sport and literature, Bhasi published his debut novel, Panapathrathinte Kamuki, in 1958. His other major novels include Neelathadakam, Ambilichola, Manassukal Sagarangal, Vrinda, and Sushamayude Olympic Parvam. His sports bibliography features widely read titles on football and local sporting history, including Jogo Bonito, Golden Goal, Lokacup Football: Oru Charithra Avalokanam (World Cup Football: A Historical Overview), and Kozhikodinte Kayika Paithrukam (The Sporting Heritage of Kozhikode). In 1972 (released in 1973), he also acted in the Malayalam film Football Champion, starring Prem Nazir.
His contributions to sports journalism earned him several accolades, including the Best Foreign Journalist (BABA) Award in Seoul during the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea, the Best World Cup Reporter Award from the Thiruvananthapuram Sports Lovers Association (and Kerala Football Lovers Association), and a lifetime achievement award for his comprehensive contributions to sports from the US-based Sai Maa Foundation.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Parakkulangara Parvathi, a retired engineer with the PWD/Irrigation Department. He is survived by his sons, Sudeep (Sudheebh) and Praseed (Praseeth); daughters-in-law, Nimmi and Rinku; and grandchildren, Janvi and Vidyuth.
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