Dhaka: The people of the sports arena today (Tuesday) bid their last farewell to Zakaria Pintoo, the legendary captain of the Swadhin Bangla football team, showing him love and respect. The legendary footballer passed away at a city hospital on Monday last after a prolonged battle with multiple illnesses at the age of 81. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the first namaj-e-janaja was held today (Tuesday) at his beloved club Mohammedan Sporting Club premise where various federations, associations, and organizations paid rich tribute to this valiant freedom fighter. Pintoo's body was placed on a small platform at the premises of the club. After that, wreaths were placed on his coffin by different clubs, various federations, Olympic associations, and former players. His second namaz-e-janaza was held at Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) Bhaban where the BFF executive committee paid rich tribute to the Captain of the Swadhin Bangla football team. Pintoo was born in Naogaon on January 1, 1943, and re presented both the Pakistan national football team and the East Pakistan football team, captaining the latter on numerous occasions. In club football, Pintoo represented Mohammedan, one of the most popular clubs in Bangladesh, for a continuous period of 14 years. In recognition of his contribution to the country's football, he was accorded the Independence Award in 1995 and the National Sports Awards in 1978.
