Kolkata, Jul 11 (IANS): Famed football coach Amal Dutta, who was keeping ill, passed away on Sunday here, his family said.
The 86-year-old had been suffering from age related illness.
“He was suffering from breathing problems, but was well till the morning. His condition deteriorated in the evening when we rushed him to a hospital. The doctors tried a lot but could not help,” said his son Ashis Dutta.
A midfielder during his playing days, Dutta represented India in the 1954 Asian Games at Manila.
Post his playing career, he went to England for a one-year FA coaching course, where he was taught by the renowned Walter Winterbottom.
Known as the country’s first professional coach, he is credited for shaping Indian football.