Zakaria Pintoo, captain of the Shadhin Bangla football team, passes away

Age had long been taking its toll on Zakaria Pintoo, the captain of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team. He rarely left his house unless necessary. On Sunday, however, his health suddenly deteriorated. The former footballer, who contributed to the country's independence through the sport, was admitted to Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhanmondi. But Zakaria Pintoo never made it back home.

This heroic freedom fighter and National Award-winning footballer passed away at 11:50 am on Monday while undergoing treatment at the hospital. He was 81 years old. Upon admission, Zakaria Pintoo had been placed in the hospital's CCU. Despite the doctors' best efforts, the nation lost this shining son of independence.

Zakaria Pintoo had been suffering from issues with his heart, kidneys, and liver. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) expressed their condolences over the former defender's passing. In their statement, BFF said, "The BFF mourns the loss of Zakaria Pintoo, captain of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team and a proud freedom fighter. His contributions to the country's independence and football will remain unforgettable. May the Almighty grant him eternal peace."

In 1971, the country was in the midst of war, with thousands losing their lives. Countless people were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring countries. At such a time, a group of young men formed a football team and played matches on Indian soil. Among them was Zakaria Pintoo, whose seniority earned him the role of captain. Beyond playing on the field, he took on a guardian's role, overseeing the team's well-being.

Playing exhibition matches in India, Pintoo, along with Saidur Rahman Patel, Pratap Shankar Hazra, Kazi Salahuddin, Enayetur Rahman, Biren Kumar Biru, Mujibur Rahman, Bimal Kar, Mohammed Kaikobad, and Nausheruzzaman, found a path to contribute to the independence struggle through football. Their primary goal was to raise awareness, garner global recognition, and collect funds.

The Shadhin Bangla Football Team played 16 exhibition matches in Indian states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Mumbai, receiving overwhelming support. Besides raising awareness for Bangladesh's independence, the team handed over the funds they received from Indian audiences to the expatriate government. Many members of that team have since passed away, and now Zakaria Pintoo has joined them.

Born in 1943 in Naogaon, Zakaria Pintoo remained involved in football even after retiring as a player, working as an organiser. He served as a director of the renowned Mohammedan Sporting Club, where he had also played for a long time. Having started his football career in the late 1950s, he represented Mohammedan from 1961 to 1975. After his playing days, he also took on coaching responsibilities for the club.