Kolkata: East Bengal’s one of the finest managers, Swapan Bal, passed away at a private hospital in Kolkata today. The man who had been an integral part of the club, passed away at 1.05 AM. He was also the executive member of the club.
Swapan Ball was one of the instrumental characters of Indian club football for several decades. He was one of the finest club officials and was called as the living encyclopedia of Indian football. He was reportedly suffering from cancer and other physical ailments. Though he was present at his beloved club at the “Bar Puja” this season.
Swapan Ball had been a part of the Red & Gold brigade for uncountable happy as well as sad memories and played the role of a manager successfully for years. He was also the manager of East Bengal’s historic ASEAN Cup winning side. He represented his favourite cub as a player from 1968-1970 in the junior team and was a bright student in the academics.
The man who had been a huge figure in the Kolkata Derbies, and used to boost the morale of the East Bengal players ahead of all the crucial games, will be missed not just by the East Bengal fans and officials, but also by the entire Kolkata Maidan, who was like his second home.
His body will be taken to the East Bengal club at 10am in the morning.