P. Krishnan, former Senior Deputy Editor of Sportstar, dies in Chennai
P. Krishnan, former Senior Deputy Editor of Sportstar, passed away in Chennai on October 20. He was 69 and is survived by a daughter.
Krishnan joined The Hindu in August 1980 before moving to Sportstar, where he became the backbone of the editorial desk for more than 30 years. To a generation of reporters and sub-editors he was known as 'P.K. sir' and was regarded as a patient teacher.
Colleagues described his approach to editing as belonging to the old school: he treated editing as more than correcting sentences, taking time to find a better turn of phrase and to improve a story's rhythm. He often coaxed details out of reporters that they had not thought worth including.
He was also a master of the headline; some of Sportstar's most iconic cover lines, until his retirement in 2020, came from his inventive mind, which at times displayed a devilish sense of humour. Those headline contributions were a notable part of his editorial output.
As a mentor he did not make young reporters feel inadequate for mistakes, instead showing them how their work could be improved. For many on the desk he was the person to call for a contact, a clarification on an obscure sporting rule, a second reading of a difficult story or straightforward advice, and he rarely, if ever, said no.
Described as a thorough professional and a gentleman at heart, Krishnan avoided the spotlight; his warmth, humour and generosity contributed to making the Sportstar desk feel like a family, and he was regarded by colleagues as a reassuring presence.
The obituary was published on October 21, 2026 at 01:42 am IST and updated at 01:43 am IST; the story included a photograph credited as Special Arrangement.
