Padma Shri Dr. S.V. Adinarayana Rao, Vizag's Football Promoter, Dies at 87
Dr. Sunkara Venkata Adinarayana Rao, a celebrated orthopaedic surgeon and passionate football promoter, passed away at his Visakhapatnam residence on Saturday. He was 87 years old. The Padma Shri awardee leaves behind a legacy of medical service and sports development in the coastal city.
A Life of Service and Achievement
Born on June 30, 1939, in Bhimavaram, West Godavari district, Dr. Rao came from a family of freedom fighters. His parents, Kanakam and Seshamma, instilled values of dedication early on. He completed his MBBS in 1966 and earned a master's degree in orthopaedic surgery from Andhra Medical College in 1970.
Dr. Rao built a strong reputation as a surgeon over six decades. He dedicated himself to serving poor polio patients, earning national recognition for his relentless efforts. This commitment brought him several awards, culminating in the prestigious Padma Shri in 2022.
Football Passion and Promotion
Beyond medicine, Dr. Adinarayana Rao had a deep love for football. He played the sport actively during his college days and later became a key figure in promoting it in Visakhapatnam. He served as president of the Visakhapatnam District Football Association for more than thirty years.
His work significantly elevated the Visakha Trophy national football championship. Top clubs from across India participated in this tournament until the early 1990s, thanks to his instrumental role.
Personal Life and Tributes
Dr. Rao married R Sasiprabha, the former superintendent of King George Hospital, and settled in Vizag long ago. His contributions earned him many national and international honours throughout his life.
Following his passing, several prominent figures expressed condolences. Gopala Krishna Kosaraju, president of the Waltair Football Association, and Prof N Vijay Kumar of Andhra University's physical education department paid rich tributes. Visakha West MLA PGVR Naidu (Ganababu) and Olympic Association general secretary K Suryanarayana also shared their grief, highlighting Dr. Rao's impact on both healthcare and sports.
