Kolkata/New Delhi: The Indian football fraternity mourned Monday the death of former AIFF president Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi, who served in the position for nearly two decades. The 72-year-old politician and an able sports administrator passed away Monday afternoon. Here’s what they had to say:
Praful Patel (AIFF president): It is very sad to hear that Dasmunshi is no more. His contribution to Indian football can never be forgotten. He was a visionary and had laid the path for the development of Indian football over the years. May his soul rest in peace.
Subrata Dutta (AIFF vice-president): His contribution to Indian football can never be forgotten. Under him, the National Football League started in 1996 (which was rechristened I-League in 2007) and everything today is moving ahead based on the foundation he laid.
Bhaichung Bhutia (former India captain): Very very sad to hear about Priya da’s demise. His contribution has really taken Indian football forward. His passion and love for the game was there for everyone to see.
IM Vijayan (former India player): It is a big loss for Indian football. He was the man who started the National Football League as a sort of pan-India league. It is his legacy. He brought private channels to telecast matches. These are his two most important contributions.
Victor Amalraj (former India captain): When I captained India to the President’s Cup in Dhaka, Dasmunshi was our team manager and (Ciric) Milovan was the coach. He proved to be an asset to the team with his timely advice and encouraging words. It is a sad day for Indian football.
Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi factfile
AIFF president – 1989-2008
Launched the National Football League in 1996
Member, Asian Football Confederation
Member, FIFA Court of Arbitration
Match Commissioner (1999, Women’s World Cup) and (2006, Men’s World Cup)
Chef`de Mission of the India Olympics Contingent in 2004 (Athens)
Agencies
