Surajit Sengupta, former India international footballer dies at 70
Former India International winger Surajit Sengupta passed away at the age of 70 on Thursday in Kolkata.
Former India International winger Surajit Sengupta passed away at the age of 70 on Thursday in Kolkata.
He lost his battle to Covid-19, according to a report by India Today.
An outstanding right-winger and one of the very few elite ball-players in Indian football, Sengupta’s game was aesthetically pleasing. He made his international debut on July 24, 1974, against Thailand in the Merdeka Cup in Kuala Lumpur went on to represent India in 14 international matches, and scored one goal in the process – which was scored against Kuwait in the 1978 Asian Games.
The legendary winger had played for all the three Kolkata clubs, starting with Mohun Bagan in 1972, before going eventually on to lead East Bengal, after spells with Mohammedan Sporting.
We observed a minute’s silence before training this afternoon to pay our tribute to club legend Surajit Sengupta.
— SC East Bengal (@sc_eastbengal) February 17, 2022
You will live in our hearts forever. pic.twitter.com/OLjnN3hS2s
Surajit was part of the Indian national football team that played in the 1974 and 1978 Asian Games and was a household name for East Bengal faithful.
Mr. Praful Patel, the President of the All India Football Federation, in his condolence message, said, “It’s sad to hear that Surajit-da, one of the most skillful wingers in the history of Indian Football is no more. His invaluable contribution to Indian Football will always remain with us and never be forgotten. Indian Football has only got poorer. My condolences to his family. I share the grief.”
He was conferred with the East Bengal Club Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
