Former All India Football Federation president and Union minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi passed away in New Delhi on Monday. The 72-year-old politician was in a coma since 2008 after suffering a massive stroke.
Dasmunsi took charge of the AIFF in December 1988 and served as the president of the Indian FA for 20 long years. He did not face any competition in AIFF elections until 2000 when then JCT chief Samir Thapar decided to contest but Dasmunsi defeated him 23-10 to continue as the president. After his heart attack in 2008, Praful Patel took charge as the AIFF chief.
He has also served as a member of the AFC Executive Committee, the AFC Technical Committee, and was also the Chairman of AFC Legal Committee. He was a member of the FIFA Court of Arbitration and acted as the Vice-President of the Indian Olympic Association.
Dasmunsi has been actively involved as a FIFA Technical Study Group Member in 1995 Women’s Women Cup (Sweden) and a Match Commissioner in 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup (USA). He was also the first Indian to act as match commissioner in a FIFA World Cup match, Spain vs Tunisia (2006).
He was also the Venue in-charge for three consecutive editions of the FIFA World Cup - France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002 and Germany 2006.
AIFF president Praful Patel condoled the demise of Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi stating, “It is very sad to hear that Mr Dasmunshi is no more. His contribution to Indian Football can never be forgotten. The thoughts and prayers of the Indian football community are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
“He was a visionary and had laid the path for the development of Indian Football over the years. May his soul rest in peace.”
Shri Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi was a popular leader with rich political and administrative experience. He did notable work to popularise football in India. Saddened by his demise. My thoughts are with Deepa Dasmunsi ji and family as well as his supporters.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 20, 2017
Very sad to hear that Mr. Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi ji is no more. His contribution to Indian Football can never be forgotten. The thoughts and prayers of the Indian football community are with his family & friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/QCjiP8PJZ2
— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) November 20, 2017