Friday , March 29 2024

Legendary Indian football coach Amal Datta is no more!

Amal DattaLegendary Indian football coach Amal Datta died at the age of 86 this evening after having been bedridden for the last five to six months and had stopped eating.

Amal Dutta is survived by his son Ashish and daughter Anita.

“He was suffering from breathing problems, but was well till the morning. His condition deteriorated in the evening when we rushed him to a hospital. The doctors tried a lot but could not help,” said his son Ashish Datta.

A midfielder in his playing days, who represented India in the 1950s, had played for Mohun Bagan and East Bengal but became a bigger name as a coach than player later in his life. He was India’s first professional coach, who will be most remembered with his tactical innovations, especially the Diamond system – a 4-1-2-1-2 formation – in the late 1990s with Mohun Bagan.

The AIFF president Praful Patel had tweeted, “It is sad to hear that Mr. Amal Datta is no more. His contribution to Indian Football will never be forgotten. I share the grief.”

AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das said, “Mr. Amal Datta will be alive in his achievements. He has been the inspiration of so many Footballers. May He Rest in Peace.”

“I did not have the fortune to play under him but have heard a lot about him. His thought process was far ahead of his time,” said former India captain Baichung Bhutia.

Mohun Bagan head coach Sanjoy Sen said: “His death is an irreparable loss to football. His acumen for the game was unmatched. He shall forever be remembered for his diamond system formation.”

Former India defender Subrata Bhattacharya said: “He played a big role in shaping India’s football and he created numerous talents. His contribution to football is invaluable. His deserved many awards for his sheer contribution to the game.”

Sad news for Indian football as one of India’s most innovative coaches is no more, who tactically tried out things when Indian football was not as developed and linked to the rest of the world as today.

About Arunava Chaudhuri

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