FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Football Association (GFA) condoled the death of former international goalkeeper E N Sudhir, formerly of Vasco Club, who passed away on Sunday.
The GFA president Churchill Alemao in his condolence message highlighted that Sudhir was a very popular name in Goan football, having excelled in the goal with his highly acrobatic saves, having had a distinguished career with Vasco Club in their heydays, with his stylish, wonderful reflexes with superb gymnastic power.
He did Goa proud donning the State colours in 1971, 1972, 1973 in the Santosh Trophy national football championship, where he excelled with some spectacular saves.
“Sudhir will be remembered for his unique cat-like agility and dexterity in the goal, with his performance being highlighted with several out-of-the blue saves which earned him prompt admiration of the football fans,” stated Alemao.
“It was due to his exceptional performance that he was selected for India in the 1972 Olympic qualifiers, having represented India in nine matches. He was also part of the Indian team which played in 1973 Merdeka Cup and the Asian Games in 1974. He was an inspiration on the football field,” added Churchill.
GFA Executive Committee member Francisco Nunes from Vasco said, “Sudhir will be remembered for his superb display during his career with Vasco Club as a goalkeeper which has certainly inspired many a footballer.”
“Sudhir had visited the Chicalim Panchayat ground during the Baptist memorial football tournament,” recalled Nunes.
