Former Mohan Bagan custodian passes away

Kolkata, Jan 31 (UNI) Dhanadaranjan Sen, well known football goalkeeper of yesteryears, died at his residence here this morning following a protracted illness. He was 89.

He is survived by wife and a daughter.

Popularly known as Bokai Sen, the man who enthralled the football buffs with his towering presence under the bars against the British through the forties, was born in Kolkata in 1918.

He started his football career with Kumartuli club in 1938 before joining East Bengal the next year. During his stint with East Bengal, the club won the IFA Shield for the first time in 1943.

The next year, Sen joined Mohan Bagan where he spent his golden days. It was during his stay with Mohan Bagan that the club won the IFA Shield in 1947, only second time after the historic 1911 victory.

He also captained Mohun Bagan and represented Bengal several times before calling it a day in the early fifties.

He also played hockey and cricket for Mohan Bagan.

Before cremation today, his body was taken to Mohan Bagan club tent from his residence to enable the admirers to pay their tributes.

Mohun Bagan kept the club's flag at half mast today in respect of the departed player.

UNI