Kolkata: Former Indian footballer Subhash Bhowmick died at a city hospital on Saturday (22nd January) morning. He had been under treatment for prolonged kidney at a private hospital in Ekbalpur.
Kolkata Maidan’s “Bhombol Da” played and coached both the Kollkata giants, Mohun Bagan AC and East Bengal. He also successfully coached Salgaocar, Mohammedan Sporting and Churchill Brothers. Regarded as one of the most decorated coaches in India, Bhowmick died at age of 72-year old.
Bhowmick made his India debut on 30 July, 1970 against Farmosa in the Merdeka Cup. Scoring 9 goals, Bhowmick represented India in 24 international matches. He scored a hat-trick against Philippines in the Merdeka Cup in 1971 – a match in which India won 5-1.
In 1970, Bhowmick won Bronze in Asian Games in Bangkok. Subhash also represented the Indian National team which finished joint winners at Pesta Sukan Cup against South Vietnam in Singapore (1971), and a bronze Medal in the Merdeka Cup in 1970. He also visited USSR in 1971, when the Indian team toured.
Bhowmick coached East Bengal to lift the Kolkata Football League from 2002-2004, the San Miguel Cup in Kathmandu in 2004, the National Football League (back-to-back) in 2002-03, and 2003-04, the IFA Shield in 2002, the Independence Day Cup in 2002, and the Durand Cup in 2002. East Bengal won the ASEAN CUP under his coaching in 2003.
He was undergoing treatment for kidney related complications and chest pain and was about to get kidney transplant. Bhowmick underwent a coronary bypass surgery 23 years ago. He has also been suffering from diabetes. He tested positive for COVID-19 as well.
Under his Technical Directorship, Churchill Brothers won the I-League in 2012-13. Furthermore, he also coached Mohun Bagan AC to win the Sikkim Gold Cup in 1992.
He was awarded the East Bengal Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
