Subhas Bhowmick Death: Indian football legend Subhas Bhowmick left us for the holy abode on Saturday early morning. Bhowmick was suffering from kidney problems and diabetes and was undergoing dialysis for the last three or so months. Follow all the Indian Football updates only on InsideSport.IN
Subhas Bhowmick was a legendary figure in Indian football. Starting from the Kolkata maidans to the Goa, his name will resonate in Indian football folklore for a long time. Bhowmick played 24 matches for the Indian national team and scored nine goals. Bhowmick was known for his fearless attitude and goalscoring prowess. He was part of the bronze medal-winning Indian team in the 1970 Asian Games.
🏆 | Subhas Bhowmick as a coach:
1 x LG Asean Club Cup
3 x Kolkata Football League
2 x National Football League
1 x IFA Shield
1 x Durand Cup"Before Asean Club Cup, I was Mr. Subhas Bhowmick for Vijay Mallya, after it I became Subhasda." 🌹🕊️ pic.twitter.com/UVSSxKWyEa
— Sevens Football (@sevensftbl) January 22, 2022
He had a great footballing career as he represented both the Kolkata Giants and won many titles. However, once he hung up his boots, he took the deep dive into coaching. It was probably the best decision of his life to come into coaching as he leaves us as one of the best ever coaches to grace the game.
He won the historic ASEAN Cup with East Bengal and also helped them bag two national league titles. Later he ventured to Goa and joined Churchill Brothers as their technical director. Although Mariano Dias was the coach, it was Bhowmick who held charge of the club. He did wonders with a young Churchill Brothers team and guided them to the I-League title in the 2012-13 season.
Also Read: Subhas Bhowmick Death: Former India footballer Subhas Bhowmick dies at 72
Bhowmick as a coach was always like a father figure to his players. He would be their harshest critique and also their biggest admirer. He always tried to help out players and had their back during his coaching days. His biggest achievement as coach was the historic ASEAN Cup win as none of the teams gave East Bengal any chance of winning the tournament. But it was Bhowmick’s understanding of the game and shrewd use of tactics that gave the Red and Golds the edge over the others.
He was a winger who can also double up as a forward but he never really liked the concept of false nine. he would rather stick to the conventional attacking style of football. His understanding of the game allowed him to tap into Bhaichung Bhutia’s talent as the Sikkimese Sniper scored nine goals in the ASEAN Cup and also bagged the best player award. Bhutia was a vital cog in Bhowmick’s setup and the former India captain was grief-stricken after hearing the news of Bhowmick’s demise.
“It is definitely a big big loss for Indian football. I personally have very good memories of winning Asean, first I League with East Bengal with Subhas da,” said Bhaichung Bhutia in an exclusive conversation with InsideSport.
Bhutia highlighted how Bhowmick’s outspoken personality led to a lot of controversies. Despite being very vocal Bhutia revealed that he was always a very caring person. “He was a very vocal person which sometimes led to a lot of controversies. But I loved him being vocal, as he spoke his mind out. You don’t find people like him nowadays, a person of great character, courage. Though he was vocal and loud, inside him he was always a soft person,” he revealed.
Bhowmick had vast knowledge of the sport and he was always eager to keep himself updated with the European standards. He always liked to be the trendsetter in Indian football and Bhutia revealed how the man was a revolutionary in Indian football.
“He had a vast knowledge about the game, compared to coaches of his generation. He was way more advanced than most coaches and administrators in Indian football. He was one of the first people to introduce physio, fitness trainers, dieticians in those times. His contribution to Indian football and Kolkata football is massive,” Bhutia signed off.
Subhas Bhowmick during his illustrious coaching career shaped a lot of uncut diamonds and one such player was Mehtab Hossain. The former India international has always hailed Bjwmick in his highest regards and was spellbound after hearing the news of his passing.
Hossain spent a large portion of his career at East Bengal and was one of Bhowmick’s trusted soldiers in midfield. Therefore Hossain highlighted how Bhowmick’s contribution to Indian football is incomparable and he was a visionary and helped in shaping many careers.
“His contribution of him to Indian football is incomparable, both in terms of his playing career and coaching career. He gave the International tournament (ASEAN Cup) which was a great achievement. It is a sad day for Indian football on his demise. He has helped a lot of people over the years. He loved me a lot. Whenever we met, there was always mutual respect among us. We Bengalis are proud of his achievement,” Mehtab Hossain told exclusively to InsideSport in a brief chat.
It is indeed a sad and unfortunate day in Indian football but Subhas Bhowmick is someone who will never be forgotten. Starting from his goalscoring prowess to his exceptional tactical mind, Kolkata Maidan’s ‘Bulldozer’ will always be a major part of Indian football folklore.
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