Mangalore: A senior sports commentator and retired AIR news director, M.K. Dharmaraja Ballal from Moodubidri-Mijar-Kanakabettu region (M K) has passed away in New Delhi on April 25, leaving 3 sons in service and a daughter, a College Professor.

Dharmaraj Ballal a Jain, covered Parliamentary debates and many conferences in New Delhi and other events daily.

He interviewed FM Maneckshaw on his Bangla victory and heard the announcement, when PM Indira Gandhi made it in Parliament.

He founded South Kanara club in Delhi with Oscar F, as president. He prepared special programmes an All India Radio and was a cricket commentator in Tests.

Honours and awards sat lightly on him his Colleague Irde RM Rao said. He attended all Bahubali bathing festivals.

He was 94 Late Dharmaraja Ballal wrote a book about India in World sports. May the soul rest in peace!