Madikeri: Former sportsperson and one of the best-known hockey umpires Machimanda Kumar Appachu passed away yesterday. He was 70.

Kumar, a resident of Ammathi, was the President of Kodagu Cricket and Hockey Association. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Mysuru. He leaves behind his wife Seetha, son Koushik, a host of relatives and friends. 

Appachu had strived for the growth of hockey and cricket in Kodagu and he was the President of Kodagu Umpires Association. 

Appachu had recognised himself at the national and international levels and was a member of the Vigilance Team of Indian Premier League (IPL).

Not only hockey and cricket, Kumar Appachu promoted all forms of games and had served in various Sports Associations in different capacities.

Spending most of his lifetime in sports grounds, Kumar has the credit of introducing many talented players to various Sports Associations and schools and he was the driving force behind many sportspersons from Kodagu making national and international fame.