Sports arena pays final tribute to Zakaria Pintoo

The people of the sports arena on 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 hospital in the capital on Monday after a prolonged battle with multiple illnesses, at the age of 81.

The first namaj-e-janaja was held today (Tuesday) at his beloved club Mohammedan Sporting Club premise where various federations, associations, organizations have 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 represented both the Pakistan national football team and the East Pakistan football team, often captaining the latter.

In club football, Pintoo played for Mohammedan, one of the most popular clubs in Bangladesh, for 14 consecutive years.

In recognition of his contributions to the country's football, he was honored with the Independence Award in 1995 and the National Sports Award in 1978.