The demise of an Indian Football Legend Chuni Goswami at 82.

After a prolonged sickness, the Indian Football Legend passed away in Kolkata on Thursday. He captained the Indian Football Team, Mohun Bagan and also led Bengal in Ranji Season (1971-72).

Subimal ‘Chuni’ Goswami at the age of 82, passed away in Kolkata on Thursday after a long-term sickness.

Goswami made his international football debut for India in 1956. He went on to play 50 times for India. He captained the Indian team to a Gold Medal at the 1962 Asian Games and ended runners-up in the next edition of the event in 1964.

After being diagnosed with diabetes prostate and nerve problems, the legend had reportedly been undergoing treatment for several months.

His demise was confirmed by his family members who have issued a statement which informs that Goswami was admitted to a hospital and suffered a cardiac arrest on Thursday evening. 

He was a sporting man through and through, at 8 years of age, he joined The Mohun Bagan Junior team in 1946. During his college days, Goswami led both the football and the cricket teams of (his) Calcutta University.

After being graduated to the senior team, he continued to play for Mohun Bagan till his retirement, at age 27, in 1968, captaining the club for five seasons from 1960-64.

Chuni turned to Cricket then, making his first-class debut for Bengal in Ranji Trophy season 1962-63. He was a right-hand batsman and a right-arm medium pacer. He led Bengal to 1972 Ranji Trophy Final where they met their match in Bombay.

He played 46 First-Class matches, scoring 1592 runs and took 47 wickets. He and Subrata Guha played a pivotal part in the historic innings defeat of Gary Sobers led West Indies team by the combined East and Central zone team. Chuni cracked 8 wickets.

AIFF and BCCI both have mourned the passing of a truly great sportsman.