Football Odisha suffered a heart-breaking loss with the passing away of former Santosh Trophy player Ajay Kumar Naik while playing a match for his employers,  State Bank of India in FAO Silver League at Barabati Stadium here today.

In the 27th minute of the game against SAI Training Centure, Naik suddenly collapsed on the field. He was immediately given necessary medical treatment and then rushed to SCB Medical College & Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Naik was 47 years old and is survived by wife, two daughters and a son. He had the distinction of representing Odisha Sate Senior men football team in Santosh Trophy National Championship five times. He was also part of the Rising Star Club that emerged champions in the Sikkim Governor’s Gold Cup.

Office-bearers and members of Football Association of Odisha (FAO) expressed deep condolences on the sad demise of Naik and announced a financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh for his family.