Dhaka: Tributes and condolences continue to pour in for Zakaria Pintoo, captain of the Shadhin Bangla football team, who passed away at a city hospital today after a prolonged battle with multiple illnesses at the age of 81. The board of directors of Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited expressed their deep shock and sorrow at Pintoo’s passing in a condolence message, and the club kept its flag at half-mast in his honor. His namaz-e-Janaza is scheduled for tomorrow at the Mohammedan Sporting Club premises at 10 am.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA) also expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Pintoo. BOA President and Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, along with Secretary General Syed Shahed Reza, offered their condolences. The Bangladesh Volleyball Federation joined in expressing their grief over the loss of Zakaria Pintoo, a National Sports Award winner who died at approximately 11:45 am at the age of 81.
Pintoo is survived by one son, three
daughters, and a host of relatives and well-wishers who mourn his passing. Earlier, Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) President Tabith Awal, its senior vice-president, vice presidents, general secretary, executive members, officials, and employees expressed profound sorrow and conveyed their deepest sympathies to Pintoo’s bereaved family.
Born in Naogaon on January 1, 1943, Zakaria Pintoo represented both the Pakistan national football team and the East Pakistan football team, often serving as captain for the latter. In club football, he had a distinguished 14-year tenure with Mohammedan, one of Bangladesh’s most popular clubs. In recognition of his significant contributions to the nation’s football, Pintoo was honored with the Independence Award in 1995 and the National Sports Awards in 1978.