PANJIM: The Goa Football Association (GFA) condoled the passing away of distinguished ex-Indian football player and ex-coach of Indian national team P.K. Banerjee in Kolkata.
“He was one of India’s greatest football player”, said Churchill Alemao, GFA president, in his condolence message. He recalled that PK, a striker par excellence, was a great Indian footballer, having been part of the Indian team which won the gold at Jakarta Asian Games in 1992.
He also captained the India team in 1960 Rome Olympics, having scored the equalizer against France in the 1-1 draw. He was also a member of India teen in 1956 Melbourne Olympics. He scored 65 goals in 84 matches for India.
Lavinio Rebello, Senior Vice President GFA, stated that PK’s contribution to Indian football was great, with FIFA awarding him the Centennial order of Merit in 2004 and highlighted that at 20 he became an Olympian and then represented India at three different editions of Asian Games in Tokyo 1958,Jakarta 1962 and Bangkok 1966.
Anthony Pango, Vice -President, recalled that PK donned Indian colors 84 times, having scored 65 goals. He was awarded the Arjuna award in 1961, and Padma Shri in 1990.
The GFA Executive Committee members recalled that PK was part of Indian football’s golden era, having dazzled for the most of 51 years of service to football. He was the last surviving scorer of 1962 Asiad gold-winning team, added Dominic Pereira, Chairman of Competitions Committee. He also had an Illustrious coaching career with India team, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Bata SC, Eastern Railway, besides administrator and coach.