Heartfelt tributes poured in from all corners on Thursday as India’s sporting community mourned the death of former football captain Chuni Goswami, who died at the age of 82 in Kolkata.
From Sunil Gavaskar to Sunil Chettri, cricket and football stood united in grief for the loss of Subimal ‘Chuni’ Goswami, considered a colossus in Indian sports.
India’s footballers and cricketers – both current and former – reacted with shock after Goswami’s demise. The versatile veteran, a former India football captain as well as a first-class cricketer, was 82.
“Today is a truly depressing day. First Rishi (Kapoor) and now Chuni da have left us. Both champions and legends in their craft. The world will be the poorer for their departure to the Heavens. RIP,” said cricketing great Sunil Gavaskar.
Goswami, who led India to their first Asian Games medal during the 1962 edition, also played for state team Bengal in first-class cricket tournament Ranji Trophy.
Also read: Chuni Goswami, Indian football’s original superstar
At club level, Goswami played for Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan. He quit international football career at the age of 27 after playing 50 matches for India. Apart from football, he also represented Bengal in 46 first-class cricket games between 1962-’73.
He later captained the side during the 1971-’72 Ranji Trophy season and led his team to the final before they lost to Mumbai.
Goswami was suffering from underlying ailments, including sugar, prostrate and nerve problems, reported PTI. He is survived by his wife Basanti and son Sudipto.
Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia called him the first superstar of Indian football.
“It’s a big loss for Indian football in two-three months. First PK Banerjee (who died on March 20) and now Chuni Goswami. He was a true sporting icon. He was the first superstar of Indian football.
“I have not had so much interaction with Chuni da but I met him a couple of times when I played for Mohun Bagan. He was a through gentleman. Sadly he was not too much involved with Indian football even during my time. He would visit the Mohun Bagan once in a while,” he said.
His former teammate Tulsidas Balaram said he felt shattered by the loss of a dear friend.
“I am really shocked. First PK Banerjee and now Chuni is gone. We were very, very good friends. We had mutual respect for each other. I have so many fond memories. I’m really not in a frame of mind to speak further,” an emotional Balaram, who formed the ‘Indian holy trinity’ with Banerjee and Goswami during their Asian Games triumph, told PTI.
Former cricketer Dilip Doshi, who played under Goswami in the Bengal team, said he learnt a lot from the versatile athlete.
“He was India’s all-round sportsman and much to learn from in fitness and fighting spirit. I had the privilege to play with him for a few years when I made my debut for Bengal.
“His will to fight the issue out was infectious. He had a great sense of humour which he timely applied to release the tension in the dressing room. India is poorer without such stalwarts and icons of sport. Well played Chuni Da, we take a bow and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family,” he added.
An emotional tribute also came in from Cricket Association of Bengal.
“This is actually a monumental loss for the sporting fraternity... leadership qualities as well as his amiable character easily endeared him to all of us,” the CAB said.
All India Football Federation president Praful Patel too paid his tribute.
“Another legendary Indian Footballer and a fine first class cricketer has left us today. Rest in eternal peace Shri. Chuni Goswami. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family,” Patel tweeted.
Here’s how accounts on twitter reacted to Goswami’s death:
With PTI inputs
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!