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New Delhi: Former Indian defender Prabir Majumdar passed away after suffering from a brief illness in Kolkata on Thursday. He was 77-year-old and is survived by his wife and a son.
He was a member of the Indian team in the 1974 Asian Games held in Tehran where they finished at the bottom of their group table. A stylish wing-back of the 1960s and 1970s, Majumdar was a member of the Indian team in the 1974 Asian Games.
In the domestic circuit, Majumdar was a part of East Bengal and Eastern Railways, besides also representing Bengal in the Santosh Trophy. Apart from EB (1972,73), he had also played for Mohun Bagan (1970, 71) and Eastern Railways (1974), preferring the security that the Rail job gave at the later stage of his career.
He also represented Bengal in the Santosh Trophy though it was his time at East Bengal that is often recalled. His stint with East Bengal was the highlight of his career during the 1970s, as the club had a golden run during that phase. After winding up his playing career, he turned to coaching, taking over the reins of East Bengal in 1981.
The All India Football Federation expressed its condolences at his demise with president Kalyan Chaubey and acting secretary general M Satyanarayan saying that he was a top top footballer of his time and his absence creates a void in Indian football.
After the incident, The All India Football Federation (AIFF) president expressed his condolences and said, “Prabir-da was one of the most dependable and respected defenders of his time and stood out among many star players.”
He added,”I express my heartfelt condolences to his family at this time of grief.” Majumdar won many titles with East Bengal, including the Calcutta Football League, IFA Shield, Durand Cup, Rovers Cup, DCM Trophy, Bordoloi Trophy and many more.
In a statement, AIFF Secretary M Satyanarayan said,”Prabir Majumdar was a top footballer of his time and continued to inspire footballers of later generations. His death has created a void in Indian football.”
