Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri lead condolence messages for legend Chuni Goswami

Kolkata: Present-day Indian football icons Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia led condolence messages as social media poured in their love and respect for former India captain Subimal 'Chuni' Goswami who breathed his last here on Thursday.

"We've lost one of the leading lights of Indian sport today. Not too many can boast of being top-notch in two different sports. You played your part to the fullest, rest well, Chuni sir. Strength to the family," India captain and record goalscorer Chhetri said in a tweet.

Former captain Bhutia, who has played for Mohun Bagan, a club Goswami played for all his life, said Indian football lost two of its biggest icons in Goswami and P.K. Banerjee who passed away last month.

"It's a huge loss. This is a bad period for Indian football. Whenever there is talk about Indian football, you hear names of Chuni Goswami an P.K. Banerjee," Bhutia told IANS.

"I haven't had a lot of interaction with Chuni da but I did meet him when I was playing for Mohun Bagan. He always had a smile on his face and was a gentleman," added Bhutia.

"We're deeply saddened by the passing of former player and club Legend Sri Subimal (Chuni) Goswami. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Chuni Goswami," Mohun Bagan's official Twitter handle read.

"QEBFC deeply mourns the sad demise of the versatile international sports personality Subimal (Chuni) Goswami. He will be remembered for his unparalleled contribution as multi faceted sports person. May his soul rest in peace," East Bengal said in a statement. IANS

Also Read: Former India footballer Chuni Goswami passes away at 82 in Kolkata

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