Former India defender Chinmoy Chatterjee died of cardiac arrest at 68

Former Indian national team defender Chinmoy Chatterjee, who played for three Maidan heavyweights in his prime in the 1970s and 80s, died of cardiac arrest at his residence in Khardakh on Sunday. He was 68 years old.

Chatterjee is survived by his wife, one son and a daughter.

He was a member of the Arun Ghosh-coached Indian team at the 1978 Bangkok Asian Games where they finished fourth in the quarterfinal league.

“Saddened to hear about the demise of eminent footballer Chinmoy Chatterjee. His contribution to the world of football will be remembered by all. Heartfelt condolences to his family and fans,” West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted.

A dependable right-back, Chatterjee switched from Mohun Bagan to arch-rivals East Bengal where he played from 1976-79 and 1982-86, during which they won the Calcutta Football League (CLF) thrice.

After his retirement, he was appointed assistant coach of East Bengal and worked with the likes of the legendary P K Banerjee and Shyam Thapa.

He also played a key role in Mohammedan Sporting’s CFL triumph in 1981.

Chatterjee also represented Bengal in the Santosh Trophy four times, with the team becoming champions in three of them.