Indian football legend Mohammad Habib passes away

Mohammad Habib, aged 74, passed away on August 15, 2023, in Hyderabad, his birthplace.

He was known as the 'Indian Pele' in Indian football circles and led the national team in the 1970s.

• Habib had been dealing with dementia and Parkinson's syndrome for some years before his passing.

• Born on July 17, 1949, he played 35 international matches for India and scored 11 goals, debuting in 1967 against Thailand.

• He was honoured with the Arjuna Award and captained the Indian team that won a bronze medal at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok.

Led three football clubs:

• Habib represented prominent Kolkata clubs Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, and Mohammedan Sporting during his career.

Scored against Pele's team:

• In 1977, he scored a goal against Pele's Cosmos Club during a match that ended in a 2–2 draw against Mohun Bagan.

• Pelé himself praised Habib after the game.

After retiring, Habib turned to coaching and worked at the Tata Football Academy and Indian Football Association Academy in Haldia.

Main sporting achievement of Mohammad Habib:

• Santosh Trophy: Bengal, 1969

• IFA Shield: East Bengal, 1970, 74

• Federation Cup: East Bengal, 1980–81; Mohun Bagan, 1978–79

• Asian Games: Bronze, 1970

• Merdeka Cup: 3rd place, 1970

• Arjuna Award: 1980

• East Bengal Bharat Gaurav Award: 2015