Former India winger Surajit Sengupta passes away

Former India and East Bengal winger Surajit Sengupta, who was a key architect of the golden era of the Kolkata's club football club in 1970s, died today after losing a 23-day battle with Covid-19.

A skilful and creative player, Surajit was part of the Indian team which won a bronze medal in the 1970 Asian Games.

The 71-year-old had tested positive for Covid-19 before being admitted to the hospital on January 23 and was on ventilator for the entire last week. He breathed his last this afternoon.

This was the second time in two months East Bengal lost a stalwart after another winger, Subhas Bhowmick, died last month.

Born in Bandel on August 30, 1951, Surajit began his football career at Kidderpore Club and switched over to Mohun Bagan in 1972. He played for Mohun Bagan for two seasons from 1972 before he joined East Bengal where he played for six years.

Sengupta was a member of East Bengal which won six successive Calcutta Football League titles (1970-1976), the IFA Shield six times and the Durand Cup thrice.

He signed up for Mohammedan Sporting in 1980 and later returned to Mohun Bagan at the fag end of his career.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee condoled Surajit's death.

"Lost veteran star footballer Surajti Sengupta today. Heart throb of football fans and an outstanding national sportsman as well as a perfect gentleman, he will ever be in our hearts. Deepest condolences," she tweeted.