Defying Age in Sports: 72-Year-Old Dedicates Decades to Singapore Football

February 12, 2024 — An iconic figure in Singaporean football history, Ramasamy Krishnan, or Roy as he is often known, is named for him and represents an unshakable commitment to the game. Roy, who is 72 years old, is a fascinating tale of tenacity, diligence, and an enduring love for the beautiful game of football. His fifty-plus-year career is astounding. He shows that the love of football has no age or positional boundaries as he moves from being a well-known player to the esteemed post of logistics manager at Albirex Niigata Singapore (S). This is an example of a life devoted to the game.

In the lush environs of Farrer Park, a breeding ground for football talent in Singapore, Roy received coaching from the renowned Choo Seng Quee. Roy’s skill on the pitch blossomed under Choo’s guidance, making him one of the country’s most threatening left-wing players. Even though an injury limited his playing time, it didn’t lessen his passion for the game. Roy found new ways to give back to the sport that had been the centre of his life, moving smoothly into coaching and then taking on the position of logistics manager.

At Albirex Niigata (S), Roy’s contributions are invaluable. Despite the physical limitations that have necessitated a shift in his duties, his influence within the team is profound. He ensures that the club manages its logistics with precision, reflecting the discipline and respect that are hallmarks of Japanese culture.

More than just managing logistics, Roy serves as a living link between the rich history and the dynamic present of Singapore football. His anecdotes and insights offer a treasure trove of knowledge to the younger generation, bridging the gap between the sport’s illustrious past and its promising future. The team reveres Roy’s logistical acumen and celebrates him as the “team idol,” as he embodies passion and perseverance, demonstrating that one can manifest their contribution to their passion in countless ways, regardless of age.

Roy Krishnan’s legacy within Singapore football is a beacon of inspiration. His journey from a promising young talent to a respected elder in the sport illustrates a profound narrative of love, adaptation, and lifelong dedication to football. It serves as a poignant reminder that while the facets of the game may evolve, the passion that fuels it is eternal.

As Singapore football continues to grow and change, figures like Roy Krishnan remain its steadfast heart, embodying the spirit and values that have shaped the sport. His story is not just about football; it’s a celebration of a life richly lived in service to a passion, proving that the flame of love for the game burns brightly, illuminating the path for generations to come.