New Delhi: Former Indian football team captain Samar Banerjee passed away. He was 92 years old. It was under his leadership that India finished fourth in football at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. He was admitted to the hospital on July 27 due to age-related ailments.
In the meantime, he was affected by covid and his health deteriorated. He died on Saturday morning. Samar Banerjee, nicknamed ‘Badru’, was born on 30 January 1930 in Howrah, West Bengal. Banerjee is a player who has received a lot of attention at the club level.
He started his football career with Milan Samiti Club. Later, he moved to Bali Protiva Club in his hometown. Banerjee, who bowled for Mohun Bagan, won Durand Cup and Rovers Cup with the team. He won the Santosh Trophy twice for Bengal.
India lost against Yugoslavia (1-4) in the semi-final at the Melbourne Olympics. They lost to Bergaria in the third-place match. It was India’s best ever performance at the Olympics or any other world event. Thus, Samar Banerjee’s name was included in the Hall of Fame of Indian Football as a captain.
He retired at the age of 30 while playing for Mohun Bagan. Later he also shined in the coaching role. Samar Banerjee was the coach of the team when Bengal won the Santosh Trophy in 1961. He has worked with the Indian Football Federation for a long time.