The man who led to the 1962 Asian Games gold, former India football captain Chuni Goswami has died at the age of 82 in Kolkata, following a prolonged illness.

To say that Goswami was the most successful Indian football captain ever would not be an understatement. Under his captaincy, not only did India win the gold medal in the 1962 Asian Games but the team also finished runners-up in the 1964 Asian Cup.

“He suffered a cardiac arrest and died in the hospital at around 5 pm,” a family source told PTI. According to media reports, Goswami was suffering from multiple ailments including sugar, prostrate and nerve problems.

As a footballer, Goswami played 50 matches for India from 1956 to 1964 and as a cricketer, he went on to represent Bengal in 46 first-class games between 1962 and 1973.

The football legend also holds the rare distinction of having played for one single club, Mohun Bagan, throughout his club career despite having had many opportunities to switch – rumours also state that one such offer came from Tottenham Hotspur.

For his service to Indian football, he was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 1963 and the Padma Shri in1983. Goswami also won the Best Striker of Asia Award in 1962.

In January, the Indian Postal Department also issued a commemorative stamp in a bid to pay homage to his contribution to football in the country.

He is survived by his wife Basanti and son Sudipto.

(Image credits: Instagram)