72 yr old former fame footballer expires late night in hospital

Guwahati:Former International Footballer and first NIS Coach of North East Region Abdul Latif died at a hospital here late last night. He was 72.

He leaves behind his wife and two daughters.The last rites were performed today with state honours, with Kamrup (M) deputy commissioner Biswajit Pegu offering condolences to the family on behalf of the government.

Midfielder Latif was part of the India's 1970 bronze medal winning Bangkok Asian 

Games squad.Latif, who made his International debut for India against Burma in the Asia Cup 

Qualifier in 1968, went on to represent India in 4 matches, and scored one goal against Singapore in the 1969 Merdeka Cup -- a match which India won 3-0.

He represented India in three tournaments the Asia Cup Qualifier in 1968 in Rangoon (currently Yangon), the 1969 Merdeka Cup in Kuala Lumpur, and the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. At the domestic level, he represented Bengal in the Santosh Trophy in 1966, 

1968, and in 1970 scoring 3 goals.

At the club level, he represented Mohammedan Sporting and helped them win the Kalinga Cup (1964), DCM Trophy (1964), Sri Krishna Gold Cup (1965 and 1966 in Patna), the Independence Day Cup (1969 in Nowgaon), the Bordoloi Trophy (1969 and 1970), the Sait Nagjee Trophy (1971), and the Narayana Trophy in 1971. 

He netted 35 goals for Md. Sporting.He also donned the green and maroon jersey for Mohun Bagan in 1967 and 1968 and scored 4 goals for the Mariners.In the process he was part of the triumphant squad in Rovers Cup (1968), Amrita Bazar Trophy (1968), Dr HK Mookherjee Trophy (1968), and the Babu Kuer Singh Shield in Patna in 1968.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) has condoled the death of Latif.AIFF president Praful Patel in his message said, "It is sad to hear that Mr. Abdul Latif is no more. His contribution to Indian Football will never be forgotten. I share the grief."

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, "Mr. Abdul Latif will be alive in his achievements. He has been the inspiration of so many Footballers. May He Rest in Peace."

The President and the General Secretary of the Veteran Cricketers Association of Assam (VCAA) also expressed its heartfelt condolences on the demise of Latif.(UNI)