By NNN-PTI,
Kolkata, India : Two-time Olympian Sahu Mewalal who guided India to 1951 Asian Games title with his solitary goal, died at the SSKM Hospital late Friday night following illness.
He was 82 and is survived by 64-year-old wife Laxmi Devi Lal, son Krishna Lal and two daughters.
Born on July 1, 1926, the former India striker was first hospitalised on November 14 after suffering from pneumonia. He was discharged one week later but only to be diagnosed with a gall bladder stone.
He was again hospitalised on December 8 for removal of the stone and operated upon on December 19. According to hospital authorities the operation was successful but he stopped eating since then as he was on a liquid diet.
“He was showing signs of recovery but on Thursday night he developed complication and he was put on ventilation as he had some breathing problems. But last night around 11.30pm, the doctors gave up,” Krishna Lal told PTI.
The funeral took place today at Kalighat and a small procession went through his former clubs Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Aryans Club and BNR, his son added.
Mewalal’s body was first taken to Mohun Bagan club where the green-and-maroon flag was wrapped around him as officials and former footballers laid wreaths on the deceased footballer.
Former India coach Syed Nayeemuddin, West Bengal Sports Minister Subhas Chakraborty were present during the funeral which took place around 3pm on Saturday.