S. Thyagarajan, a veteran sports journalist who was best known for his hockey writings, passed away on March 23, 2026 in Chennai. He was 85. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. For over 50 years, Thyagarajan served The Hindu with distinction. During this period, he covered six Olympics and nine Asian Games, apart from several international hockey events featuring India. Known for his crisp writing laced with words and phrases that brought out the essence of the matches to the tiniest details, Thyagu, as he was popularly known, or Mr T (a name the famous British hockey journalist, Pat Rowley, gave him!) carved a niche for himself in the field of sports journalism. It’s not that hockey alone was his forte; his dispatches from Olympics and Asian Games on athletics and other disciplines were a treat.
S. Thyagarajan, picture courtesy: The Hindu.
What stood out about Thyagu was his humble nature, dedication and his helping attitude. As Anand Philar, a senior journalist, stated in the obituary he had written for the Sports Journalist Federation of India website, Thyagu was a firm believer in the principle of First In and First Out at the press box. At a time when harsh deadlines would be a huge hurdle, Thyagu would easily cross it. And often, while others would be in the final stage of their dispatches, he would nod to all indicating that not only was he done with his reports for the day, but also was off to his hotel room! Commitment and professionalism: Thyagu was a super example of this.
Although Thyagu began his career with The Indian Express in 1961, within a year he moved to The Hindu which he served till the end, leaving behind a treasure that will long remain an inspiration for generations of journalists. What was particularly noteworthy about his long association with sports was the way in which he dealt with players and officials – with a touch of care and understanding. That explains why Thyagu was held in such high esteem by all in the field of sports.
Olympians Munir Sait (India’s goalkeeper at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics) and V. Baskaran (Indian captain when India won gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics) have a flood of memories of this suave hockey writer. Munir, who is well into his eighties, recalls: “Thyagu and I used to be room-mates whenever we were at major hockey events. What I liked about him was his discipline, thoroughness and his gentle nature. Keen to keep himself abreast of all the latest hockey rules, he would frequently keep in touch with me during my tenure in the FIH committee. I always had a great regard for him. What to say, just two days before he passed away, he had sent me Eid greetings, to which I had replied. Now I can’t imagine he is no longer with us. A great gentleman.”
Baskaran says he has known Thyagu from his days in inter-collegiate hockey competitions where he was a regular. “Later we were together during the Olympics and Asian Games. I have always admired his crisp descriptions and understanding of the game. When I had taken up coaching of the Indian national team, Thyagu would come up with some pointed suggestions which I thought were quite implementable and I used to accept them. To me, he had donned the role of a ‘super coach’ at that time. Thyagu was very popular and what endeared him to all was his free-going nature. After matches, while relaxing, Thyagu would regale us with sports anecdotes or sing old Tamil film songs – he was a good singer!” Truly it is shocking to realise that Thyagu will not be there any more to discuss hockey matters. We will miss him immensely,” says Baskaran as he signs off.
Apart from his writing skills, Thyagu was also known for his administrative acumen. He headed the Media Commission of the Asian Hockey Federation; was the Chairman of the Field Hockey Commission in the AIPS from 1998 to 2006; and a member of the erstwhile Communication Committee of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). He was also the President of the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) from 1996 to 1998.
For me personally, Thyagu was always my guru, guide and friend. As a fledgling sports journalist with the PTI in the 1980s, I had the opportunity to observe him at work at major national championships – mainly badminton and athletics – and I always consider that as a phase of my education. Later, I became his colleague in The Hindu and had the benefit of his guidance. Indeed, in his passing, an era in sports journalism has ended. Rest in peace Sir.