OAA wakes up after Gulzar`s demise

Better late than never. This adage fits to Orissa Athletic Association (OAA), which woke up on Thursday to announce a donation of Rs 20,000 for the family of legendary athlete Seikh Gulzar, who passed away yesterday. Expressing deep sorrow over the demise of Gulzar, OAA also announced to institute an award in the memory of the eminent athlete, who finished fourth in men’s 10,000 metre event of the inaugural Asian Games at New Delhi in 1951. According to an OAA release, the Sk Gulzar Award, carrying a purse of Rs 3,000, will be given to the best athlete of each and every State athletic meet. The only male athlete from Orissa to have represented the country in the Asian Games, Gulzar, 80, died as an unsung hero, fighting poverty and illness during old age. His repeated appeal for help yielded no or little response. A self-respecting sportsman, Gulzar had to work as a bus driver to support his family.