Latest news with #T.GopinathNaidu
The Star
20-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Yakeb pay tribute to late ex-national footballer Gopinath
PETALING JAYA: The National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) continued to show their commitment to supporting former athletes – this time by visiting the family of the late T. Gopinath Naidu in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. The visit, part of the foundation's Visit & Treat – Skuad Yakeb Prihatin initiative, was led by Yakeb chairman Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail and joined by members of the Yakeb management team and Kuala Lumpur football legend and former national player Datuk Subadron Aziz. The programme is part of Yakeb's ongoing efforts to reach out to former athletes or their families who are facing hardship, while also offering welfare assistance and death benefits as a mark of remembrance and appreciation for their contributions to the nation. During the visit, Yakeb presented a death benefit contribution to the late Gopinath's father, P. Samy @ Thambirajah, as the foundation's final tribute to the family. 'He was touched by the gesture and described the visit as a sign that his son's contributions have not been forgotten by the country and the sporting community,' Yakeb said in a statement. Gopinath was a prolific striker who played for Kuala Lumpur, Perak, and the Malaysian national team. His talent was evident from a young age, having first worn the Kuala Lumpur junior team jersey at 12, before going on to represent the national youth squad. He was also given the opportunity to train abroad with English club Aston Villa and German side Bayer Leverkusen. Known for his agility and clinical finishing in front of goal, Gopinath helped Kuala Lumpur lift the Malaysian FA Cup in 1993 and 1994. He also featured in Malaysia's campaign at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima and the qualifiers for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. However, a serious knee ligament injury forced him into early retirement from professional football. He passed away on May 24 following a heart attack.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Former national footballer Gopinath dies
FORMER national footballer T. Gopinath Naidu, who was part of Malaysia's football scene in the 1990s, died yesterday at the age of 50. The sad news was shared by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) through a post on its official Facebook page. 'Condolences. FAM extends its deepest sympathies to the family of the late T. Gopinath Naidu. He was a member of the national squad in the 1990s and had also played for Kuala Lumpur (1992–1994) and Perak (1996),' the post read. Fondly known as the 'Kuala Lumpur Wonder Boy', Gopinath played a key role in helping 'The City Boys' secure back-to-back FA Cup titles in 1993 and 1994. His outstanding performance earned him opportunities to train and play internationally, including with English club Aston Villa and German side Bayern Leverkusen. However, recurring knee injuries forced him into early retirement at the age of 25 in 1999. During his time with the national team, Gopinath represented Malaysia at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan, and the qualifying rounds for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
The Star
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ex-KL footballer Gopinath passes on
PETALING JAYA: Former Kuala Lumpur footballer T. Gopinath Naidu passed away at the age of 51 due to cardiac arrest on Saturday (May 24). Known as the Wonder Boy, Gopinath played with the City Boys from 1992 and went on to win the FA Cup in 1993 and 1994. But as he was reaching his peak, recurring knee injuries and undergoing 19 surgeries forced the footballer to retire at the age of 25 in 1999. Before retiring, Gopinath had a short stint with Perak in 1996.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Former Kuala Lumpur footballer Gopinath dies
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Kuala Lumpur football star T. Gopinath Naidu died of cardiac arrest today at the age of 51. Touted as Kuala Lumpur's Wonder Boy, striker Gopinath lit up the M-League in the 1990s, but injuries forced him to retire from competitive football at just 25 years old. Gopinath's stint with the City Boys saw him win the FA Cup in 1993 and 1994. He also featured for Perak in 1996.
