Sankar contributed to sports in a big way 

A former TNCA president and a patron of Jolly Rovers, he made his mark in tennis administration too

Sanmar Group chairman N. Sankar, who passed away here on Sunday, was fond of sport and made an enormous contribution to its growth.

A capable tennis player, he won the inter-university doubles title partnering N. Srinivasan of India Cements.

He was also a fine cricketer.

Sankar headed the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) as its president in the early 80s. And he supported Jolly Rovers, a celebrated TNCA first division side, for a mind-boggling 56 years.

Former India cricketer Bharat Reddy, Sankar’s right-hand man in cricket, told The Hindu, “All Jolly Rovers matches in the league would be telecast to him live. He had made arrangements for that. He took the club forward and hired the best talent.”

Reddy revealed, “He came to know that K.R. Rajagopal, one of Jolly Rovers’ early stalwarts, was not keeping well. He organised a helper for him at ₹60,000 a month.”

At the golden jubilee celebration of Jolly Rovers, Sankar brought together all the living members of its first champion side.