Footballers mourn Dasmunsi

New Delhi: All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel led the football fraternity in condoling the demise of his predecessor and veteran Congress leader Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, who passed away here on Monday.

Describing Dasmunsi's demise as a massive loss for Indian Football, Patel said: "It is very sad to hear that Dasmunshi is no more. His contribution to Indian Football can never be forgotten. The thoughts and prayers of the Indian football community are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

Dasmunsi, 72, was in coma since 2008. He is survived by his wife Deepa Dasmunsi and son Priyadeep Dasmunsi. AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das in his message said: "He has been an inspiration to all. He was a workaholic and we will always remember him for his passion for Football. I share the grief."

"On behalf of AIFF we extend our heartfelt condolences to all members of the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace." Dasmunsi was first elected as the AIFF President in December 1988 when he succeeded Khalifa Ziauddin to the post.

Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia said: "It's a very sad development". "He was the president for a long time and his contribution to Indian football has been massive. He was not well for a very long time. He was very passionate about football and coming from Bengal football was in his blood," he added.

Another former India captain Victor Amalraj said Indian football lost an able administrator in Dasmunshi. "When I captained India to the President's Cup in Dhaka, Dasmunshi was our team manager and Milovan was the coach. He proved to be an asset to the team with his timely advice and encouraging words," he said,

It was under Dasmunsi's leadership that Vision India Projects were launched along with the National Football League, and later the I-League along with the AIFF Elite Academy in Goa.