Physical educationist Bharat Parida passes away

Eminent physical educationist and sports administrator Bharat Chandra Parida passed away at his residence in Cuttack yesterday. The 84-year-old Parida, who was unwell for months, left his wife, four sons and two daughters. Parida was the first Indian to obtain Master degree with gold medal in physical education from Springfield College of the USA in 1961-62. He served as the principal of the Government College of Physical Education at Cuttack and Bhubaneswar for around two decades before retiring in 1984. He also functioned as the secretary of Orissa Basketball Association, Orissa Kabaddi Association: vice-president of Orissa Olympic Association (OOA) and Orissa Athletics Association for many years. OOA secretary Asirbad Behera expressed deep sorrow for the demise of Parida.