Kolkata, Dec 24: Yesteryear’s acrobatic soccer goalkeeper Sanat Sett, who turned out for India in 11 matches including the 1954 Manila Asian Games, died at his residence in Panihati close to the metropolis on Friday following cardiac arrest.
Sett, who was suffering from old age complications, breathed his last at 10-30 AM. A popular goalkeeper whose acrobatic saves and anticipation earned plaudits from soccer pundits. Sett made his debut for India against Japan in the 1954 Asian Games, and was part of the national squad which won the Quadrangular Cup in 1953, 1954, and 1955. At the domestic level, he won the Santosh Trophy with Bengal in 1953, and 1955.
He also donned the jerseys of both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan during a long playing career that lasted from 1949 to 1968. For East Bengal, he played a stellar role in the club winning the DCM Trophy in 1957, the IFA Shield, and the Dr. HK Mookherjee Shield in 1957.
For Mohun Bagan, Sett was instrumental in the green and maroons’ triumph in the Calcutta Football League in 1959, 1960, 1962; the IFA Shield in 1960, 1961 (joint-winners), and 1962; and the Durand Cup in 1959, and 1960 (joint-winners).
However, his maiden outing in Kolkata football was for Railway FC in 1949. In 1951, he joined Aryans and played for the club still 1956. After retiring from the game, Sett took up coaching for some time.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Praful Patel, in his condolence message, said, “It is really sad to hear that Sett is no longer among us. His invaluable contribution to Indian Football will always remain with us. I share the grief.”
Sett, 91, was a widower. He left behind his son, family source said.
