PK Banerjee.. India's triumph in 1962 Asian Games! Let's relive his journey..

New Delhi, March 21: From scoring most goals in his international debut tournament to being an integral part of gold medal-winning team in 1962 Asian Games, PK Banerjee the former captain of Indian Football team breathed his last at a private hospital in Kolkata after a prolonged illness on Friday.

 

The 83-year-old was fondly called as PK Banerjee by his vast countless fans. India which still struggles to take place in Asian Games had won the gold in 1962 Asian Games that had written history by fighting all the odds in Jakarta. The major contribution in the event was because of Banerjee who even scored a goal against South Korea in the final and scripted a win by 2-1.

 

 

The legendary player had done which is not anyone's cup of tea. He took in his hands and represented India in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and played an important role in the 4-2 victory against Australia in the quarter-finals where India eventually finish fourth. Furthermore, he captained the National Team in the 1960 Rome Olympics and scored the equaliser against France to help India register a 1-1 draw.

 

 The Indian team who won gold medal in 1962 Asian Games

 

Representing India in 36 official matches, he had scored 19 official goals for the country. He was also the first Indian Footballer to receive the Arjuna Award (in 1961), and was awarded the prestigious Padma Shri Award in 1990. Banerjee was also bestowed with the FIFA Fairplay Award (in 1990), and the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit in 2004.

 

In his international debut in 1955 against Ceylon (currently Sri Lanka) in the 4th Quadrangular Cup in Dhaka, he went to score two goals on his debut as India clinched the match 4-3. He ended up as being the first Indian player the tournament scoring five goals, the maximum for any Indian player on his debut International tournament.

Holding a record of scoring maximum goals (6) for India in Asian Games, he was part of three consecutive editions of the Asian Games – the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, and the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok.

 

As Banerjee was the manager, he guided the team to win a bronze medal in 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. He then went on to coach India in the 1974 Asian Games (in Tehran), 1982 Asian Games (New Delhi), and the 1986 Asian Games (in Seoul). He was also in charge as the coach in the Merdeka Cup in 1971, 1973, 1981, 1982, 1986; the Nehru Cup in 1982 (Kolkata), and 1986 (in Trivandrum); the Kings Cup in Bangkok in 1981; the SAF Games in 1985 (in Dhaka) where India finished champions; and India’s tour to UAE in 1981.

 

 

He was also a part of the triumphant Indian squad which won the 4th Quadrangular Tournament in 1955 in Dhaka. Paying condolences to the legend , the current skipper said, "I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. PK Banerjee as well as to the entire Indian football fraternity. He was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and his achievements will forever have a place in Indian footballing history. Rest in peace."

 

Even other legendary sportsperson, Sachin Tendulkar said, "Heartfelt condolences on the passing of the great Indian footballer PK Banerjee! Have fond memories of meeting him on a few occasions and the positivity he spread. May his soul Rest In Peace!

 

The BCCI president and the former captain of cricket team, Sourav Ganguly, "Lost a very dear person today .. someone who I loved and respected enormously.. someone who had so much influence in my career when I was a 18 year old boy .. his positivity was infectious .. may his soul rest in peace .. lost two vry dear persons ths week."