Samar Banerjee Kolkata/UNI: Indian soccer legend Samar Banerjee, who led the country to a fourth place finish in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, passed away in the state-run SSKM Hospital here early Saturday following Covid.
Banerjee, 92, was a widower, and left behind a grand daughter. His son predeceased him.
According to his close associates, Banerjee was admitted to Bangur Hospital on July 27 after he tested positive for the Coronavirus infection, and shifted to SSKM as his condition deteriorated.
He was on a ventilator for the last few days and breathed his last at 2-10 AM on Saturday.
Banerjee - a lethal forward - affectionately known as Badru in soccer circles, was born on January 30, 1930, in Bally of West Bengal's Howrah district and began his long and illustrious playing career by turning out for Bally Pratibha club in the Kolkata third division football league in1948.
He signed for BNR the next year, and was roped in by city soccer giants Mohun Bagan in 1952. Banerjee captained the green and maroon brigade in 1958, and played for the club till 1959, when he hung up his boots.
Banerjee captained India in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics where the team reached the semi final beating Australia 4-2 in the clash of last eight.
In the semis, India lost 1-4 to Yugoslavia and went down to Bulgaria 0-3 in bronze medal match to finish fourth.
After retiring, Banerjee coached Bengal in the Santosh Trophy and under his guidance, the team emerged champions in 1961.
Banerjee was honoured with the Mohun Bagan Ratna in 2009.
Condoling Banerjee's death, CAB President Avishek Dalmiya said: "On behalf of CAB, my deepest condolences to the family on passing away of former Indian footballer Samar (Badru) Banerjee. He featured in the Indian team for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where India finished fourth."
Dalmiya said Samar Banerjee was a household name in Indian football and got Bengal several laurels.
"May his soul rest in peace. I hope his family finds strength to overcome this sad period," he added.
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