New Delhi: Hockey India paid tribute to former India hockey player Michael Kindo, who passed away on Thursday in Rourkela at 73. The defender contributed to India clinching the bronze medal at the 1972 Olympics by scoring three goals as well.

The Olympic bronze medallist and World Cup winner was bed-ridden for quite some time before he passed away at due to age-related ailments. Kindo, who passed away at the Ispat General Hospital, is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik took to Twitter and wrote: "Deeply saddened to know the passing away of hockey legend and Arjuna Awardee #MichaelKindo, a tribal icon and part of India's World Cup winning team of 1975. My thoughts are with his family and fans."

The official account of Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha paid to tribute to him. The tweet reads,: "Deepest condolences on the passing away of legendary hockey Olympian Michael Kindo ! First tribal to don India Flag of India colours, he won a bronze in Olympic Games and all 3 categories of medals in World Cups. May his soul rest in peace. Folded hands @TheHockeyIndia @FIH_Hockey.

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