Chuni Goswami real name was Subimal Goswami. Born on January 15, 1938, in Kishoregunj, Bengal, Chuni Goswami was an ace footballer and one of the mainstays of the national team. He holds a distinctive record of playing for a sole club, Mohun Bagan. Usually playing as a centre forward, Goswami had a unique sense of the game. Being a striker he had a fine control over the ball. Apart from football Chuni Goswami was also a class cricketer and played in Ranji Trophy for Bengal.
Early life of Chuni Goswami
Chuni Goswami completed his education from Truropati Institution and Kumar Asutosh Institution. At the age of 8 he joined Mohan Bagan and played in the junior squad till 1954. Later he got promoted in the senior squad. Goswami captained the Mohun Bagan team from 1960 to 1964. During his stint, the club did exceedingly well in various national competitions including the prestigious Durand Cup
Football Career of Chuni Goswami
In the 1950s and 60s, India did well in the international stage riding on the skills of Goswami. In the year 1956, Chuni Goswami made his debut in the International Football against the Chinese Olympic team. India`s victory in the game was 0-1. Further he also represented India in the international level in 50 matches. They included the Olympics, Asia Cup Merdeka Cup and Asian Games. He led India to the Asian Games Gold in 1962 held at Jakarta and Silver in the 1964 held in Israel which adds to his achievements.
Cricket career of Chuni Goswami
In the year 1962-63 Chuni Goswami made his International cricket debut in the Ranji Trophy. Being the captain of the Bengal team he has led the team to its final rounds twice in the Ranji Trophy. He was a Right Handed Batsman and a Right Arm Medium Pacer. He has to his credit 46 matches scoring 1592 runs and taking 47 wickets.
Awards and Honours to Chuni Goswami
In honour of his services to the game, Chuni Goswami was bestowed with many prestigious awards. He won the Best Striker Award of Asia in 1963, The Arjuna Award in 1963, the Padma Shri 1983, the Padmashree in 1983 and the Mohun Bagan Ratna in 2005.
A man of unique personality, Chuni Goswami also served as the Director of Tata Football Academy in the state of Jharkhand from the year 1986 to 1989 and has been the Sheriff of Kolkata in 2005.
