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Former India centre forward Krishna Kumar Pal popularly known as 'Keshto Pal' passed away on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. He was 78 years old.
According to sources Pal was suffering from Alzheimer's disease and was admitted at the SSKM Hospital on October 10.
Paul, a centre forward par excellence, was a part of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics team and Indian football team in 1952 Helsinki. A prolific goal scorer of 1950s, Pal played a major role in the 1956 Games to lead India to the semi-finals.
P K Banerjee, Pal's teammate in 1956 Olympics said,"I still vividly remember his goal against Myanmar. Playing for IFA, he scored a brilliant header from about 10 feet above the ground. It was simply exceptional.”
Pal started his club football career with Juger Protik (Shyamnagar) and then joined Bhowanipore Club .He was a prolific scorer for Mohan Bagan in the '50s.Mohan Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra said "It is a great loss for Indian football and to Mohan Bagan in particular. Pal's service to the club had been phenomenal.”
