Pradip Kumar Banerjee had been the heroic face of Bengal football and later Indian football for as long as Indian football fans can remember. According to India Today, the 1962 Asian Games gold-medallist played at a time when Indian football was experiencing its “golden era”. Banerjee also led the Indian football in the 1960 Rome Olympics.
The legend breathed his last at 12:40 PM this afternoon. According to The Indian Express, 83-year-old PK Banerjee passed away in Kolkata after battling severe chest infection since February.
He was admitted to the hospital on February 7. Gradually, he suffered from sepsis and multi-organ failure due to pneumonia. He has also had a rough medical history including Parkinson’s disease, dementia and heart problems. He finally succumbed to a massive heart attack.
The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) nominated him as the “Indian footballer of the 20th century”. He is also one of the first recipients of the Arjuna Award.
Eminent personalities like footballer Sunil Chhetri, Rajdeep Sardesai, Babul Supriyo, and others are mourning the death of the football star. Many claimed that it was the “end of an era” and extended their condolences to PK Banerjee’s family.
1.
A legend and one of our greatest football player has left us today.
Rest in Peace PK Banerjee, Indian football will miss you.
My sincere condolences to members of his family and all his fans.@IndianFootball @IndiaSports #PKBanerjee #football #India pic.twitter.com/lcLoD9Uz5X— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) March 20, 2020
2.
I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. PK Banerjee as well as to the entire Indian football fraternity.
He was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and his achievements will forever have a place in Indian footballing history. Rest in peace.— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) March 20, 2020
3.
Knew him so very well personally, had gone to his place several times•A vivacious competitor on ground, a tough taskmaster but a very affectionate soul & that’s what made him a father figure to so many players•Amal Dutta & PK Banerjee both gone! End of a Era• RIP PradipDa 😢 pic.twitter.com/NQAnUaRwxB
— Babul Supriyo (@SuPriyoBabul) March 20, 2020
4.
All of us at Mumbai City FC are deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of PK Banerjee, an absolute legend in the annals of Indian sport.
Truly, a huge loss for the nation's footballing fraternity. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/Vel2Eq2sE2
— Mumbai City FC (at 🏠) (@MumbaiCityFC) March 20, 2020
5.
#Tribute to the Legendary Hero of Indian Football #PK Banerjee.His Cobtribution in football will be remebered for ever. Our sincerest condolences. pic.twitter.com/4Oo5slEwty
— Surjya Kanta Mishra (@mishra_surjya) March 20, 2020
6.
One of the greats of Indian football PK Banerjee is no more.. once did a memorable tv show with him.. was an encyclopaedia on the sport and spoke on football with an infectious passion. long before the ISL, Chetri, Bhutia, there was PK.. RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) March 20, 2020
7.
Extremely saddened to hear about the passing away of Legendary P.K.Banerjee. One of the greats of the Indian Football. His contribution towards #IndianFootball will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace. #PKBanerjee #RIP pic.twitter.com/8vFffM3YDx
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) March 20, 2020
8.
One of the brightest lights of Indian football PK Banerjee passed away today, PK, Chunni and Balaram were the most famous trio in #Indianfootball @Mohun_Bagan @eastbengalfc #aiff
— Satyaki Bhaduri (@satyakiz) March 20, 2020
9.
From a legendary striker to a motivational coach,from Asiad Gold to passionate Bong,he is undoubtedly the Mr Football of India. PK Banerjee’s demise creates an unfathomable hollow in the circuit.End of an era.
— Rajdeep Deb (@idrrajdeep) March 20, 2020
10.
Doyen of Indian Football PK Banerjee passes away.May his Soul Rest in Peace,My sincere condolences to his family.Below PK with Ahmed Khan and Surajit Sen Gupta. pic.twitter.com/qLQ4QK7GYc
— Gautam Roy (@gautamfootball) March 20, 2020
Rest in peace, Sir!