Former Karnataka State and Government Press footballer H Sampath Kumar passed away on Friday night after suffering a heart attack. He was 47.

He is survived by a wife, one son and two daughters.

A fine attacking midfielder, Sampath rose to the occasion whenever the team needed his services, striking goals at crucial moments. He could come up with snap shots at the goal, catching the opposition defence off-guard.

Starting his career with Sri Gajanana Football Club, Sampath turned out for CIL subsequently before moving to ADE. He then moved to Government Press in 1990, and played a key role in his team’s fine run in the nineties in the local league.

Sampath played for Karnataka in the 1987 Junior Nationals in Meghalaya and donned the Senior State colours in 1992, 1996-97 and 1998. Sampath was also called to the national camp in 1994 but couldn’t make it to the Indian team.

Karnataka State Football Association and Bangalore District Football Association have condoled his demise.