Indian football legend Sailendra Nath Manna dies, aged 87

Dubai Sailendra Nath Manna, the legendary Indian footballer who captained India to the inaugural Asian Games gold in Delhi in 1951, passed away this morning. He was 87 and is survived by his wife and daughter.

Manna made his debut against France in the London Olympics in 1948. Four years later, he captained India in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Besides being conferred the Padma Shri in 1971, he was also declared the AIFF Player of the Millennium in 2000. He stays the sole Asian to be named among the 10 best Captains in the World by the English FA in 1953. He represented India in 14 international matches and was the first Indian footballer to captain India in two back-to-back Asian Games. He also coached the Indian national team in the 1961 and the 1968 Merdeka Cup.

Praful Patel, the President of the All India Football Federation in his message said: "It's sad to hear that Sailen Manna, one of the Greatest Footballers is no more. His contribution to Indian Football will never be forgotten. I share the grief."

Kushal Das, the General Secretary of the All India Football Federation said: "Sailen Manna will be alive in his achievements. He was a legendary footballer and someone who has been the inspiration of so many generations. May he rest in Peace."

Flag half mast

As a mark of respect, the AIFF flag was put at half mast at the AIFF Headquarters - the Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi. The national football team will also be wearing black armbands in their international Friendly against Ajerbaijan this evening.

At the domestic level, Manna won the Calcutta Football League, the Durand Cup, the IFA Shield and the Rovers Cup with Mohun Bagan. He stays the most successful Captain for Bengal in the Santosh Trophy.

Career

SAILENDRA NATH MANNA (DOB : 01.09.1924).

International Debut: July 31 vs France (London Olympics).

International Caps: Represented India in 14 International Matches.

International Tournaments: Olympics -- 1948, 1952 (Captain).

Asian Games -- 1951(Captain), 1954 (Captain).

Quadrangular (Colombo Cup): 1952 (Captain), 1953 (Captain), 1954 (Captain).

International Laurels:

Gold Medal (1951-Asian Games)

Champion in Quadrangular Cup -- 1952, 1953, 1954.

Awards

Padma Shri: 1971

AIFF Player-of-the-Milennium: 2000