He was subsequently discovered by Syed Abdul Rahim,[6] then coach of the India national team, while Kempaiah played for Mysore in the Santosh Trophy in 1954 in Calcutta (now Kolkata).

[7][8] Kempaiah stayed with Bangalore Muslims till 1956 and was roped into East Bengal Club by their legendary secretary JC Guha who handpicked him after his stunning performance for 1955 Santosh Trophy for Mysore which was held in Calcutta.

In his very first year at the Calcutta maidan he impressed all with his ball control,distribution and tireless work load.

P. K. Banerjee recalled, "He generally played as right half, but was equally proficient in the central midfield position.

Kempaiah, a competent midfielder, played a crucial role in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where India finished fourth, losing to Bulgaria in the play-off for third place.

A third goal was scored in the second half at the 50th minute when Banerjee converted a free ball received from a melee between Indian striker Muhammad Kannayan and Australian goalkeeper Ron Lord.

A mistake by Indian defender Muhammad Salaam led to an own goal at the 78th minute ensuring Yugoslavia's victory in the match.

[19] With four goals Neville D'Souza became joint top scorer in that edition of the Games with Todor Veselinović of Yugoslavia and Dimitar Stoyanov of Bulgaria.

The Chief Guest of this event Seri Windsor John, General Secretary of the Asian Football Confederation.

Kempaiah won numerous awards during his playing career as well as after retirement for his contribution to Indian football.

The major awards won by him are: Kempaiah died in Bengaluru on Wednesday, 2 July 2008, after a prolonged illness with diabetes.