Mumbai bids farewell to a swimming legend as veteran Indian Railways swimmer and esteemed water polo player Clement Mendonsa, dubbed the ‘Pele of the game,’ passes away at 84.
Clement Mendonsa, renowned for his prowess as a center forward in water polo, breathed his last at his residence after battling illness for the past few days. His legacy in aquatic sports earned him accolades, winning multiple titles in the 200m breaststroke and butterfly events. Acknowledging his contribution, Mendonsa was honored with the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Award by the state government.
In addition to his achievements in the pool, Mendonsa served as a water polo referee during the 1982 Delhi Asian Games and took on the role of a timekeeper in various competitions. Beyond his competitive career, he dedicated years to coaching young players at Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana in Santa Cruz, fostering a new generation of swimmers. Mendonsa also proudly represented Maharashtra during his illustrious career.
His enduring connection with the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Olympic Swimming Pool reflected his commitment to the sport. The final rites for the swimming maestro took place at St. Michael’s Church in Mahim, marking the end of an era in Indian aquatic sports.
While Mendonsa’s legacy in swimming is undeniable, some argue that the broader recognition of aquatic sports in India remains overshadowed by more mainstream disciplines, hindering its growth.
