Football fraternity pays tributes to Badal Roy after his death
Those who played alongside him have been sending in their tributes for the attacking midfielder who passed away aged 75.
The passing of legendary former national team footballer Badal Roy has the entire football fraternity mourning.
Those who played alongside him have been sending in their tributes for the attacking midfielder who passed away aged 75.
The former Mohammedan Sporting Club Ltd player spent his entire Dhaka League career there from 1977 to 1989.
Badal was a star national team player from for six years from 1981 to 1987.
Imteaz Sultan Johnny, long-term club and national teammate, said, "Undoubtedly he is one of the top-quality athletes of the country, and also, was successful as Bangladesh Football Federation and Mohammedan official. As a good human, he always thought about the welfare of footballers with necessary support and promotions. As an organizer, he fought for the betterment of football until the last moment."
"He [Badal] played a great role in popularizing football in the country. He was not only a successful footballer, but also a great sports organizer. His absence will be felt in the sports sector. It's really sad news," reacted former celebrated striker Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, who played alongside Badal both at Mohammedan and national team before moving to Abahani Limited.
Badal made his national team debut abroad under the captaincy of legendary winger Ashrafuddin Ahmed Chunnu during the Quaid-E-Azam Football Championship 1982 in Karachi, Pakistan.
But they featured in rival teams in domestic football as Chunnu spent almost his entire career at Abahani.
He paid tribute by saying, "Badal played for Mohammedan but we played for the national team together. He was a very good player. His behavior was very good. We have also lost a good organizer. It's a matter of great loss for football."
He also served as vice-president of Bangladesh Football Federation for three times since 2008 and ran for president post against Kazi Salahuddin during the previous election.
Following his demise, the Bangladesh Basketball Federation expressed deep sadness and prayed for the salvation of his departed soul.