Former India midfielder Surajit Sengupta passes away at 70 due to Covid-19, AIFF condoles

New Delhi: All India Football Federation (AIFF) condoled the demise of former India winger Surajit Sengupta, who passed away following his battle with Covid-19 in Kolkata on Thursday.

Sengupta, who made his India debut on July 24, 1974 against Thailand in the Merdeka Cup in Kuala Lumpur, went on to represent the country in 14 matches and scored one goal in the process – which was netted against Kuwait in the 1978 Asian Games.

He also represented the Blue Tigers in the 1974 Asian Games, the 1977 President's Cup, International Friendlies against UAE and Bahrain (1979).

At the domestic level, Sengupta was part of the triumphant Bengal Santosh Trophy squad in 1975, 1976, 1977 and 1978, and scored 26 goals. He was conferred with the East Bengal Club Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Praful Patel, President of AIFF, 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."

"Surajit Sengupta will always remain alive in his achievements. He was an extremely crafty winger – someone who has been the inspiration for so many generations. My condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace," said Kushal Das, General Secretary of AIFF. (UNI)