Kolkata: Hundreds of fans paid a tearful farewell as the country's first professional full-time football coach and India international Amal Dutta was cremated with state honours here on Monday.
Police personnel reversed arms and gave a gun salute with the bugle sounding the mourning tune at the Nimtala crematorium in north Kolkata in the presence of a host of former and current footballers, state ministers and a large number of grieving people.
The 86-year-old, veteran was suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease for the last few months and was bedridden.
Dutta as coach had introduced new formations including the exciting diamond system to enthrall the spectators in the 1990s, left behind his wife, a son and a daughter.
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. Later, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived to pay her last respects.
"His death is a big setback for us. We have lost a great man. He was dedicated football lover and a teacher. This is an irreplaceable loss. I offer my deepest condolences to his family." said Banerjee.