Sailen Manna Passes Away at 87

Sailen Manna, (1924-2012)

Sailen Manna, a well known name in the Indian football, passed away today at the age of 87. Manna Captained India to the inaugural Asian Games Football Gold in Delhi in 1951.

Shailen Manna made his debut against France in the London Olympics in 1948. Four years later, he Captained India in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Besides being conferred the Padma Shri in 1971, he was also declared the AIFF Player of the Millennium in 2000. He stays the sole Asian to be named among the 10 best Captains in the World by the English FA in 1953. He represented India in 14 International Matches and was the first Indian footballer to Captain India in two back-to-back Asian Games. He was the coach of the Indian national team in 1961 and the 1968 Merdeka Cup.

Mr. Kushal Das, the President of the All India Football Federation in his message said: “It’s sad to hear that Sailen Manna, one of the Greatest Footballers is no more. His contribution to Indian Football will never be forgotten. I share the grief.”

Mr. Kushal Das, the General Secretary of the All India Football Federation said: “Sailen Manna will be alive in his achievements. He was a legendary footballer and someone who has been the inspiration of so many generations. May he rest in Peace.”

As a mark of respect, the AIFF Flag flies at half mast at the AIFF Headquarters -- the Football House in Dwarka, New Delhi. The Indian National Football Team will also be wearing black armbands in their International Friendly against Ajerbaijan.


CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:


SAILENDRA NATH MANNA (DOB : 01.09.1924).
International Debut: July 31 vs France (London Olympics).
International Caps: Represented India in 14 International Matches.
International Tournaments: Olympics -- 1948, 1952 (Captain).
Asian Games -- 1951(Captain), 1954 (Captain).
Quadrangular (Colombo Cup): 1952 (Captain), 1953 (Captain), 1954 (Captain).

International Laurels:
Gold Medal (1951-Asian Games)
Champion in Quadrangular Cup -- 1952, 1953, 1954.

State-level:
Represented Bengal from 1944 to 1954 (There was no tournament in 1948).
Was Captain of Bengal from 1949 to 1954.
Won the Santosh Trophy  in 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1953.

Club-level:
Played for Mohun Bagan from 1942 to 1960.
Captained Mohun Bagan from 1950 to 1955.

Trophies Won:
Calcutta Football League: 1943, 1944, 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1959, 1960.
IFA Shield: 1947, 1954, 1956, 1960.
Durand Cup: 1953.
Rovers Cup: 1955.

AWARDS:


Padma Shri: 1971
AIFF Player-of-the-Milennium: 2000.