Zakaria Pintoo, the legendary captain of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team, has passed away at the age of 81. Known as a pioneer of Bangladeshi football, Pintoo had been battling multiple health issues, including heart, kidney, and liver complications. On Sunday, his condition worsened, and he was admitted to a private hospital in Dhanmondi. Sadly, he took his final breath today, Monday, at around noon, as confirmed by his former teammate Pratap Shankar Hazra.
Pintoo’s illustrious career started in the late 1950s. Born on January 1, 1943, in Naogaon, he played continuously for the iconic Mohammedan Sporting Club from 1961 to 1975. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and administration, serving as a director of Mohammedan and even coaching the national team.
As the captain of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team during the Liberation War, Pintoo became a symbol of resilience and patriotism, later earning the prestigious Independence Award for his contributions.
Details regarding his funeral prayers are yet to be announced, and his body is currently being kept at the hospital. Bangladesh bids farewell to a true legend whose legacy will inspire generations to come.