GUWAHATI, Nov 4 - Noted footballer and organiser Manoj Patra died at his Dibrugarh residence this morning.
Patra, a former Santosh Trophy player, served the Assam Football Association (AFA) as vice president and member of the senior selection committee.
He was also a football commentator of All India Radio, Dibrugarh. A keen follower of the game of football, Patra took initiative in organising the game in various places of upper Assam. He was also associated with the Assam Sports Journalists Association and offered the best referee of the State award through the sports scribes� body. His death was condoled by the AFA along with various organisations of the State. The AFA has kept it�s flag half mast in honour of Patra, said secretary Ankur Dutta.
Our Dibrugarh Staff Correspondent adds: Manoj Patra, a well-known teacher, enthusiastic sportsperson, former general secretary and vice president of Dibrugarh District Sports Association (DDSA) and also former vice president of Assam Football Association, passed away a little past midnight today at his residence at Santipara here. He was 76.
He was also the assistant headmaster of the Dibrugarh Bengali High School here. He was a cricket umpire and a good football referee.
Patra�s death came as a shock to all his admirers and well-wishers. His body was taken to the office of the DDSA where sportspersons, sports organisers and well-wishers from several organisations paid tributes to him. His body was then taken to the crematorium at Chowkidinghee where his last rites were performed. Patra leaves behind his wife, two sons, daughter-in-laws and grand children.
