Ponnampet: Senior hockey coach and former Ponnampet Gram Panchayat member Puchimada Harish (76) passed away at a private hospital in Mysuru yesterday following illness.

He is survived by his wife, a son, two daughters, a brother, grand-children and a host of relatives and close associates.

A resident of Ponnampet and the eldest son of noted philanthropist late Puchimada Bopaiah, Harish was actively involved in social service. While running a tutorial centre in Ponnampet, he extended educational support to several students.

An accomplished hockey player, Harish represented several teams during his career and  later emerged as a prominent coach at the Ponnampet Junior College Grounds, mentoring several athletes, including Olympian C.S. Poonacha and Karnataka State players Ricky Ganapathi and Utthaiah. He also served as a referee and trainer across Kodagu and played a key role in establishing the sports hostel at Ponnampet.

He was also instrumental in initiating the movement for the creation of Ponnampet taluk. He hosted several committee meetings at his residence under the leadership of Cheppudira Arun Machaiah, serving as the Committee Secretary.

Harish also contributed to the establishment of the Ponnampet Court. A close associate of former Minister M.C. Nanaiah, Harish was active in the JD(S).

Last rites were performed at Ponnampet this afternoon. As a mark of respect, shops remained closed between 1 pm and 2 pm.