Chuni Goswami

Subimal Goswami (January 15, 1938 - , commonly known by his nickname Chuni Goswami (চুনী গোস্বামী) is an Indian international footballer and first class cricketer. He was born in Kishoreganj District of undivided Bengal (now in Bangladesh). As a striker, he played 50 international matches representing India. As a first class cricketer, he played Ranji Trophy for Bengal.

Football career

Chuni Goswami holds the distinction of playing for a single club, Mohun Bagan, throughout his club career despite numerous offers from other clubs including one reported offer from Tottenham Hotspur.

Club career

Goswami joined the Mohun Bagan Junior Team in 1946 at the age of 8 years. He was a part of the Junior squad up to 1954 and then graduated to the Mohun Bagan senior team. He continued playing for Mohun Bagan till his retirement in 1968. During his stay with the club, he captained the club in 5 seasons from 1960 to 1964.

International career

Chuni Goswami made his international debut for India in 1956 during the team's 1-0 victory over the Chinese Olympic team. He went on to play for India in 50 international matches including in Olympics, Asian Games, Asia Cup and Merdeka Cup. He captained India to the Asian Games Gold Medal in 1962 and a Silver in the 1964 Asia Cup in Tel Aviv and in the Merdeka Cup.

Cricket career

Chuni Goswami made his first class debut for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy during the 1962/63 season. He was a Right Handed Batsman and a Right Arm Medium Pacer. After retiring from football, Goswami fully focussed on playing Cricket. He led Bengal cricket team to the Ranji Trophy final twice. In his cricket career, which spanned up to 1972/73 season, he played 46 first class matches, scoring 1592 runs and took 47 wickets.

Awards

Chuni Goswami won numerous awards during his playing career as well as after retirement for his contribution towards Indian football. He was also chosen as the Sheriff of Kolkata in 2005. The major awards won by him are -

• 1962 Best Striker of Asia Award
• 1963 Arjuna award
• 1983 Padma Shri award
• 2005 Mohun Bagan Ratna

References