Odisha's Eminent Cyclist-Turned-Coach Susil Kumar Das Passes Away

—–Sanatan Pani

Bhubaneswar: Former international cyclist and coach Susil Das passed away at SCB Medical College & Hospital (MCH) in Cuttack on Thursday. He was 60.

According to sources, Rourkela-based Das was unwell for the last few months and had undergone treatment at two hospitals in Bhubaneswar. Also the joint-secretary of Odisha Cycling Association, he was shifted to SCB MCH where he breathed his last at 10.45 am.

He is survived by wife Anjushree Das, son Sabyasachi Das and daughter Sushree Manisha Das.

Sources further stated that the mortal remains of Das were taken to his ancestral village Nayahat in Nimapara before being consigned to the flames at Swargadwar in Puri.

Das spent most part of his life in Rourkela, where he rose to fame both as an international cyclist and a dedicated coach. He served at Rourkela Steel Plant for 39 years before retiring earlier this year.

He excelled in long-distance cycling, winning three gold, four silver and five bronze medals in Junior and Senior National Championships between 1979 and 1989. He also represented India at the 1985 World Cycling Championship in Egypt, where he secured the 16th position among 1210 competitors from 82 countries.

After hanging up his bike, Das took to coaching and shaped the careers of scores of national and international cyclists, including Swasti Singh and Dinesh Kumer, the most decorated cyclists of Odisha. His other national-level disciples include Rohit Hembram, Chinmay Jena, Ssaksad Patra, Mitanjali Nayak, Prava Soreng, Rita Padhy, Namita Patra, S Krita Ranjan and Pritesh Baskey.

Das made invaluable contributions for the promotion of cycling in Odisha. He also functioned as a vice-president of Odisha Cycling Association earlier, but administration was never his cup of tea. Instead he chose to work with budding talents on the cycling track.

Swasti, the best contribution of Das to Odisha cycling, was heart-broken when she came to know about the demise of her first coach. Paying an emotional tribute, Swasti said, “I lost the person who shaped me into who I am now. My grassroots coach, my mentor, my guide, my second father — is no more. He taught me everything: loyalty to my sport, the value of hard work, determination, aggression, staying grounded, and above all, how to never give up.”

“I made so many mistakes, but he always showed me the right path with patience and belief. He never treated me like a student — he always called me his daughter. I have two daughters, he used to say proudly, “Gudiya (Manisha) and my Balungi (Swasti).”

“I will carry that name (ବାଳୁଙ୍ଗୀ) with pride forever. I can’t believe this day has come. I am heart-broken, but I promise to keep his teachings alive in everything I do,’’ said Swasti.