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Bhabani Banerjee, the man who helped Delhi register its lone triumph in the National championship for the Santosh Trophy in 1944, passed away in the capital on Monday, February 17, after brief illness. He was 88. He is survived by his wife, one son and one daughter.
A product of New Delhi’s Gole Market area, then known as Delhi Imperial Zone (DIZ), and Raisina Bengali School, tall and well-built Banerjee was famous for his wing play and stinging left footers. His finest moment came in the 1944 Santosh Trophy on home turf when Delhi stunned a star-studded Bengal 2-0 in the final.
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Banerjee struck the second goal in the second session. He received a pass inside the area and after eluding defender Sailen Manna, he beat K. Dutta under the Bengal bar with a powerful shot. His performance in the tournament earned him praise from Bengal manager Balaidas Chatterjee.
But when Chatterjee invited him to join Mohun Bagan next season, Banerjee turned down the offer saying he would like to complete his graduation with the Delhi University before turning into a full-time footballer.
Next year, Banerjee achieved yet another first when he guided New Delhi Heroes to win the inaugural DCM Trophy in the capital defeating King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry in the final. He once again scored in Heroes’ 3-2 victory. After spending his best days with New Delhi Heroes, Banerjee later joined Raisina Sporting Club.
He was cremated this afternoon at Nigam Bodh Ghat. A large number of soccer enthusiasts attended his funeral.
The Delhi Soccer Association (DSA ) deeply mourned his untimely death. AIFF vice-president and DSA president Subhash Chopra and its managing committee members expressed their heart-felt.
