The demise of Mohammed Habib a personal loss to me: Mohun Bagan legend Shyam Thapa

Former Indian nationwide workforce ahead and Mohun Bagan legend Shyam Thapa stated that the dying of Mohammed Habib felt very private for him.

Habib, who handed away aged 74 in Hyderabad on Tuesday, was probably the most outstanding gamers within the Kolkata maidan circuit within the Nineteen Seventies, taking part in for all the large three within the metropolis, particularly East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting.

“The passing away of Habib is a personal loss for me. I have very fond memories of playing with Habib. He was a great fighter and despite his relatively small frame was all about fortitude when he was on the pitch,” Thapa, who had been a teammate of Habib on the membership in addition to nationwide stage, advised Sportstar.

“His level of motivation is hard to come by as he would always tell us to go for it whatever the stature of the opposition.”

The most vital reminiscence of the duo within the Indian soccer circle, nonetheless, is a aim by every of the 2 in opposition to Cosmos, that includes Brazilian legend Pele in 1977.

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“It will remain one of my greatest moments and which was appreciated by Pele himself at the end of the match, hugging me and wishing me the best of luck wishes,” Habib had as soon as advised Sportstar in one in every of his interviews.

Thapa and Habib had been an integral a part of the Indian workforce that gained the bronze medal on the Asian Games and the Merdeka Cup in 1970 and 1971, respectively.

“I can vividly remember his performance in the 1970 Asian Games when we were the youngsters in the team and were overjoyed to win the Bronze. We played many tournaments for India and also for our club East Bengal.

“In Kolkata, where he spent the best part of his career, he was popular as ‘Bade Mian’ and would remain the voice of wisdom during the matches. We used to travel to the ground together in public transport and would enjoy the wishes and advice of the fans which would charge us up to give our best in the match,” Thapa added.