Demise of Claudius irreparable loss to sports world: Mamata

"I express my deep condolence at the death of the legendary hockey player Leslie Claudius. His demise is an irreparable loss in the sports world," Banerjee said.

Stating that this year the state government had honoured him with the Banga Vibhushan award, she said that the memories of his deep connection with Kolkata would ever remain in the mind.

Claudius was among the 13 luminaries from various fields who were awarded the Banga Vibhusan award on May 20 this year.