Media baron and former sports administrator, Sivanthi Adithan, died here today following brief illness.
76-year-old Adithan, proprietor of popular Tamil daily 'Dina Thanthi', breathed his last at a private hospital, sources in 'Dina Thanthi' here said. He is survived by wife, daughter and son.
Adithan, also an educationist, industrialist and philanthropist, was a recipient of Padmashri award for his contributions to society in various fields.
He had served as the President of Indian Olympic Association. Thanthi Group promoted by him owns various media arms including 'Dina Thanthi' and Thanthi TV.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa expressed grief over the death of Sivanthi Adithan.
Hailing him as a great sportsperson, Jayalalithaa recalled he was the Deputy Chairman of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu during her earlier regime. Jayalalithaa had recently visited Adithan while he was undergoing treatment at the hospital and enquired about his health.
A simple and affable person, his death was a great loss to sports and journalism fields, she said in a statement while conveying her condolences to the bereaved family.
MDMK chief Vaiko also condoled Adithan's death and hailed him as a great sports administrator and philanthropist. Adithan's death was a great loss to the fields of journalism and sports, Vaiko said.