Football: Kanai Sarkar, a former goalkeeper, is no more, AIFF expresses its condolences

Kanai Sarkar, a former Indian national team goalkeeper, died on Thursday, and the All India Football Federation expressed its condolences (December 30).

Kanai Sarkar made his national team debut in a friendly match against the Soviet Union in September 1971, and was also a member of the Bengal side that travelled to Tehran for the Asian Club Cup in 1970.

Sarkar was also a multi-award winner on a national level. In 1966, he won the Bordoloi Trophy with Aryans, and in 1969 and 1971, he won the Santosh Trophy with Bengal. Sarkar's most illustrious days in Kolkata football were with East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

"It is really sad to hear that Mr Sarkar is no longer among us. His invaluable contribution to Indian Football will always remain with us. I share the grief," said AIFF President Praful Patel as per an AIFF release.

"Mr Sarkar was an exceptional goalkeeper who enjoyed great success at the international and domestic levels. My sincere condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace," said AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das.

Sarkar won the Calcutta Football League twice, the IFA Shield once, and the Durand Cup once during his two-year stay with East Bengal. Sarkar won the Bordoloi Trophy and the Durand Cup in his lone year with Mohun Bagan, adding to an already full trophy chest.