EVERY conversation with Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh would conclude with an infectious smile on his face. He showered his love on sportspersons abundantly and whoever approached him seeking help, never returned empty-handed.

The benevolent Sardar, the ‘Santa Claus’ for every sportsperson of the city, left for heavenly abode on Friday, on the auspicious day of Guru Purab, at the age of 79, battling age-related ailments.

An acclaimed sports administrator, who held the president’s post of Nagpur District Football Association for decades, Atal Bahadur Singh was loved by one and all. His requests (to sponsor tournaments) to leaders, irrespective of any political party, were fulfilled even before he completed his statement. Not only politicians, but also businessmen and industrialists never refused Sardar’s over-the-phone ‘requests’.

Such was his aura that footballers used to eagerly wait for the announcement of tournaments and the shower of unexpected surprise gifts from their beloved Atalji.

Singh took over the presidency of Nagpur District Football Association from Datta Meghe in 1979. Since then, there was no looking back as he strengthened the association for the next several decades pumping in money, roping in new sponsors and honouring deserving players with unique rewards. He relinquished NDFA’s top post in 2015 citing health reasons.

Maharashtra’s Shiv Chhatrapati Jeevan Gaurav award winner Atal Bahadur Singh was also Vice-President of the Western India Football Association. He was a life member of Vidarbha Hockey Association and also served as its vice-president. Not just football and hockey, Atal Bahadur Singh was also associated with chess, cricket and several other sports organisations.

Conservations with him would always be an enlightening session. He was full of knowledge, be it sports or any other field. He would narrate n number of anecdotes related to any event. His love for sport, especially football, was matchless. He had a habit of rewarding players then and there if he found a worthy one. Immediately, after watching any match, the ‘Santa Claus’ Atal Bahadur would reach to his pocket and declare cash reward. His ‘surprise gifts’ used to be a 15-litre can of edible oil, a 30kg sack of wheat flour, sugar, rice and whatnot. The gift hampers included all ingredients needed in the kitchen. The list did not end there. Players also received refrigerators, almirahs, bikes etc for their superlative performances.

“These players (footballers) are from lower middle-class families. They need financial support. More than players, I want their family members to be happy. Look at the joy on their mother’s face when their son(s) fill the kitchen with groceries. That’s what I want. These gifts are hampers of joy, love and affection,” Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh once told this scribe after a prize distribution function of a football tournament.

Lately, his movements were restricted and he was confined to his house. Still, Atal Bahadur Singh was a beautiful host. A visit to his Kadbi Chowk home would never end without sumptuous snack - ‘Aloo Bonda’ being his specialty. Hours of talk would revolve around development of sports and financially helping deserving players. He would love to speak for hours and share his experiences. He would turn into a teacher, a guide, a mentor and explain how to move ahead, how to deal with any situation and how he would deal with a particular situation.

The passing away of ‘Santa Claus’ for city’s sportspersons has left a big vacuum. But remembering his conversations, henceforth talks about his benevolent ways, will definitely leave smiles on faces.