Thiruvananthapuram (Keralam) [India], September 21 (ANI): Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan on Monday condoled the untimely demise of Rijon Jose, a native of Ollur in Thrissur and a defender for the Calicut FC football team.

The Chief Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of footballer Gani Ahmad Nigam, who is undergoing treatment after being involved in the same accident.

According to the CMO, CM Satheesan expressed solidarity with the grief of Rijon Jose’s family, friends and sports enthusiasts, and offered his heartfelt tributes.

Calicut FC footballer Rijon Jose died in a road accident near Christian College on the Gandhi Road flyover in Kozhikode late Sunday night.

Rijon, 29, was travelling on a motorcycle with fellow footballer Ghani Ahmed Nigam when the vehicle collided with another motorcycle around 10.30 pm, according to preliminary information.

Both players were rushed to the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital following the accident. However, Rijon succumbed to his injuries at around 12.15 AM IST. He was a native of Thrissur.

Nigam, who also represents Keralam in the Santosh Trophy, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.

The incident occurred shortly after Calicut FC announced its squad on Sunday. The team had also started preparations for the upcoming Super League Kerala season, which is scheduled to begin this week.

Calicut FC’s training sessions were being held at JDT, Kozhikode, when the tragic incident took place.

Football club Gokulam Kerala FC also expressed condolences over the death of Calicut FC player Rijon.

Rijon was a key player in the Calicut FC team that won the inaugural Super League Kerala title in 2024 and was a talented footballer who made significant contributions to Kerala’s football scene. He had played for several prominent clubs across the country and passed away unexpectedly while preparing for the upcoming Super League season. (ANI)