P. Krishnan: Indian Sports Journalism Loses a Legend

P. Krishnan’s legacy in Indian sports journalism

P. Krishnan, former Senior Deputy Editor of Sportstar, passed away in Chennai on October 20, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic excellence that will be deeply felt in the Indian sports journalism community.

He was 69 years old and is survived by his daughter, who will undoubtedly continue to hear stories about her father's remarkable career and the impact he had on those who worked with him.

Who was P. Krishnan?

P. Krishnan, affectionately known as PK sir, was a renowned journalist who belonged to the old school of journalism, where editing was never merely about correcting a sentence or tightening a paragraph, but about crafting a story that would engage and inform readers.

He was a patient teacher and a master of the headline, with some of Sportstar’s most iconic cover lines coming from his inventive mind, which also had a devilish streak of humour that made him a beloved figure in the newsroom.

What made P. Krishnan a great editor?

P. Krishnan was a thorough professional and a gentleman at heart, who never made a young reporter feel inadequate for getting something wrong, but instead showed them how it could be made better, often by taking the time to explain the nuances of a story and the importance of attention to detail.

His contribution went well beyond the pages of the magazine, as he was the person colleagues turned to for almost everything, from contacts to clarifications on obscure sporting rules, and his generosity with his time and expertise was legendary.

By the numbers

• 69: The age at which P. Krishnan passed away, a life well-lived and a career that spanned decades.
• 30: The number of years P. Krishnan spent as the backbone of the editorial desk at Sportstar, a testament to his dedication and commitment to the craft of journalism.
• 1980: The year P. Krishnan joined The Hindu, the beginning of a remarkable journey that would take him to the pinnacle of Indian sports journalism.
• 2020: The year P. Krishnan retired from Sportstar, but his legacy continues to inspire and motivate a new generation of journalists.

P. Krishnan’s impact on Sportstar

P. Krishnan joined Sportstar after working at The Hindu, and became an integral part of the editorial team, helping to shape the magazine's coverage of Indian sports and mentoring a generation of reporters and sub-editors who would go on to become leaders in their field.

He was the person colleagues turned to for almost everything, from contacts to clarifications on obscure sporting rules, and his door was always open to those who needed guidance or advice.

How will P. Krishnan be remembered?

P. Krishnan will be remembered for his warmth, humour, and generosity, which helped make the Sportstar desk more than a workplace, but a family, where colleagues felt supported and valued.

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For many, he was a father figure, a mentor, and a friend, who will be deeply missed, but whose legacy will continue to inspire and motivate a new generation of journalists to strive for excellence in their craft.

What’s next for Sportstar?

As Sportstar moves forward without P. Krishnan, the magazine will undoubtedly continue to evolve and adapt to the changing media landscape, but his legacy will remain a constant source of inspiration and guidance for the editorial team.

The challenge for Sportstar will be to build on the foundation that P. Krishnan helped establish, and to continue to produce high-quality journalism that informs and engages readers, while also innovating and experimenting with new formats and platforms.

Lessons from P. Krishnan’s career

P. Krishnan’s career offers many lessons for aspiring journalists, including the importance of patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.

His ability to craft compelling stories and headlines, as well as his generosity with his time and expertise, are qualities that all journalists should strive to emulate.

P. Krishnan’s legacy extends beyond Sportstar

P. Krishnan’s impact on Indian sports journalism extends far beyond his work at Sportstar, as he helped to shape the careers of countless journalists and inspired a new generation of writers and editors.

His legacy will continue to be felt in the years to come, as journalists and readers alike remember his contributions to the field and strive to build on the foundation he helped establish.