GUWAHATI, July 16 � Veteran sportsman, sports organiser, a die-hard sports enthusiast and pioneer of sports journalism in Assam, Pulin Das, is no more.
Das, who till a couple of years back, was often seen in complete sports gear playing lawn tennis at the India Club, epitomising spirit and fitness that differentiate sportsmen from other professionals, was 96.
A man who believed in living life to the fullest, he breathed his last at the International Hospital around 2:30 pm today, leaving behind three sons and a host of relatives and admirers.
The mortal remains of the nonagenarian sports commentator would be kept at the India Club from 9 am tomorrow for all sports associations and fans to pay their last respects. His last rites will be performed tomorrow at the Navagraha cremation ground. He would be accorded State honours, official sources said.
Born in Guwahati on November 1, 1918, Das was instrumental in formation of a number of sports associations. Since his early days, his penchant for sports, especially cricket, was evident.
He captained his school (Kamrup Academy) and college (Cotton College) cricket teams and was even elected as sports secretary of his college.
Das joined the historic Gauhati Town Club in 1939 and also led its cricket team. Later, he went on to captain the Guwahati district team for a number of years. He was the first There was hardly any sports organisation in the State with which Das was not associated, be it cricket, football, tennis, hockey, table tennis or lawn tennis.
As a sports journalist, Das�s career spanned over four decades. He started his journalism career as a freelancer and later became the sports reporter of Dainik Natun Asomiya in the early 50�s. He was the sports reporter of The Assam Tribune since its birth and became its sports sub-editor in 1954 before retiring on March 11, 1982. He was also The Assam Tribune�s press photographer for more than 20 years.
Das was also associated with national daily The Statesman and the All India Radio. He was also instrumental in formation of the Guwahati Press Club, Guwahati Reporters� Guild and Guwahati Working Journalists� Association.
Besides sports, Das also contributed towards the socio-cultural sphere. He was president of the Kamrup Natya Samity and was the founder president of the Latasil Ganesh Mandir Unnayan Samity. Besides, he was closely associated with the Ugratara Unnayan Samity and the Judges� Field Management Committee.
During his eventful career, Das was awarded a number of prestigious awards in recognition of his contributions. His death has been widely condoled.
