Chennai, Apr 17 : TVS Group Chairman Emeritus Venu Srinivasan and Tamil Nadu Tennis Association (TNTA) condoled the death of Sanmar Group Chairman N.Sankar, who passed away after a brief illness on Sunday evening. In his message, Venu Srinivasan said “Sankar was one of the pioneering industrialists of South India. I have known him over many decades and watched him lead the Sanmar group with foresight. He was early to adopt modern management practices and focused on building competence in his companies . He pushed International growth and investment to make Sanmar a leading player globally .” TNTA, in a message said, Sankar was well known industrialist and a great patron of sport particularly Cricket and Tennis. He was the President of TNTA 1989 to 1994. During his term he set TNTA on new path with his broad vision of growth. Indian BANKtennis classic, a tournament in which top Indian players of the time Ramesh Krishnan and Leandar Paes participated and Ramesh won the event. He set up a proper administrative set up. The first national claycourt tennis event now in its 29th year began in his tenure and so also support of the Sanmar TNTA Chennai club League now in its 29th edition was due to his interest to support the game. He was a tennis player with a sharp brain and was winner of Erskine cup Bertram tournament along with N. Srinivasan in his college days. He was a astute genial person a true friend of the game. TNTA ‘s activities since his period grew and saw the conduct of the prestigious ATP Chennai Open , support of players . He will be missed. “We pray that Chandra his wife, Vijay, Sankar, his son Madhurika his daughter and the family have the strength to bear his loss “, it said. GV 1955