Former footballer Aseem Koraliyadan dies in Coimbatore road accident
Former professional footballer Aseem Koraliyadan, 45, died in a road accident in Coimbatore late on Wednesday night. He was on his way to work at the Coimbatore International Airport, where he served as a Customs Inspector.
The accident took place around 10.30 p.m. on Avinashi Road. According to the Traffic Investigation Wing (TIW East), Aseem slowed down his scooter at a U-turn immediately before the airport junction. A truck coming from behind knocked down the two-wheeler. He was rushed to a private hospital nearby, where duty doctors declared him dead.
The TIW East registered a case and arrested the truck driver, identified as Dinesh of Sulur near Coimbatore. After the post-mortem examination at the Government Medical College and ESI Hospital, the body was handed over to his family members and relatives.
Aseem, a native of Areekode in Malappuram district of Kerala, had a long and distinguished career in Indian football. He began by representing the Kerala U-21 team before moving on to play for established clubs such as Vasco Sports Club and Salgocar FC in Goa. He later played for East Bengal FC in Kolkata, one of the most prominent clubs in Indian football. He was also associated with several I-League clubs during his career, which spanned over a decade.
In the Santosh Trophy, India's national football championship for state teams, Aseem represented both Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Playing for two different states in the competition is considered a rare feat, underlining his versatility and standing in domestic football.
His twin brother, Anees Koraliyadan, is a well-known football coach and former player. The Koraliyadan brothers were both active in Kerala football, and their contribution to the sport is widely acknowledged in the region.
At the time of his death, Aseem was working as a Customs Inspector at Coimbatore International Airport. His sudden demise has left his family, friends, and colleagues in shock. The police said further investigation into the accident is underway.
