Kolkata: India’s soccer legend Mohammed Habib was on Saturday presented the “Bharat Gaurav” award for his contribution to the game by East Bengal club.
Habib, who was a household name in Kolkata football from the late 1960s to the 1980s, was honoured by the club on the occasion of its 96th foundation day.
Courtesy: NDTV
A complete footballer, affectionately called “Bade Mian” during his playing days, he turned out mostly as a striker, but did well as a midfielder also towards the late stages of his career.
Former soccer star Chandan Banerjee was honoured with the Lifetime achievement award at the glitering function in Nazrul Mancha, which saw a good turnout of members despite the incelement weather.
Banerjee was a prolific player for the red and gold brigade in the 1960s and even captained the side in 1966.
The player of the year award went to defender Robert Lalthalmuana who had a few brilliant outings in the last I-league.
Former Bengal cricket captain Sambaran Banerjee received the Byomkesh Bose Memorial Award.
The team for the upcoming 2015-16 season was also introduced on the occasion.
A star presence was that of Chuni Goswamil, who spent his entire playing career in the green and maroon jersey of East Bengal’s arch-rivals Mohun Bagan.