Arup Das

Arup Das

Arup K. Das (born October 7, 1959) is a well-known Indian footballer, particularly recognized for his distinguished career. Renowned for his exceptional dribbling, skill, and impactful performances, Das has left an indelible mark on Indian football history.

Early Career

Das began his football journey with the Guwahati Maharana Club in 1977, where he showcased his early talents. His skills caught the attention of Guwahati Town Club within Guwahati Town Club, which eventually led him to Kolkata for a higher opportunity following promising performances.

Progress with Railways FC

Upon transitioning to Kolkata, Das found himself under the guidance of the notable footballer P.K. Banerjee. His association with Railways FC truly highlighted Das's talent. His exceptional performance against Bengal in the semifinal of the 1980 Santosh Trophy illustrated his prowess and potential.

Stints with Mohun Bagan and East Bengal

In 1981, Das secured a transfer from Mohun Bagan, marking a significant moment in his career. His uninterrupted goal against East Bengal in the IFA Shield final solidified his position and showcased his skill as a forward. Subsequently, Das garnered much attention for his tenure with East Bengal, earning praise at various levels.

National Team and International Success

Das's exceptional form in 1981 earned him an unparalleled position in the Indian national team. He established himself as a stalwart in Indian football, founding an institution in the form of the India tour for the U-16s, further cementing his place as a top-tier player. His international career peaked around 1984 Nehru Gold Cup, where, under coach Milovan Ćirić's direction, he displayed multifaceted performances in Bangladesh as a left winger.

Contributions and Achievements

Throughout his illustrious career, Das shared the field with like-minded players such as Monoranjan Bhattacharya, Bhaskar Ganguly, Prasanta Banerjee, Krishanu De, among others. He represented Bengal and Railways multiple times, securing victories in Bangladesh twice and ensuring Railways' second-place finish. Among Das's notable achievements are numerous significant trophies for top Indian football clubs.

Legacy

Despite retiring from professional football in 1990, Das's historic contributions remain steadfast, influencing Indian football with dedication, skill, and a lasting impact. His contributions to the sport continue to inspire aspiring footballers and enthusiasts.

Retirement

Das retired from professional football in 1990, concluding a decade-long tenure in the top flight. His exit from the football field marked the end of an era in Indian football.

Sources:

https://www.sportskeeda.com/indian-football/my-father-the-footballer https://www.rsssf.org/tablesn/nehru84det.html#:~:text=India:%20Atanu%20Bhattacharya;%20Krishnendu%20Roy%2C%20Manoranjan%20Bhattacharya%2C%20Pem%20Dorji%20(Aloke%20Mukherjee %2045)%2C%20Tarun%20Dey; https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=PzDsDp1ctLI#:~:text=%2D%20Pem%20Dorji%20Midfielder%20%2D%20Arup%20Das,Forward%20%2D%20Narinder%20Thapa% 20MANAGER:%20Milovan%20Ciric. http://www.mohunbaganclub.com/squad-1981-1990/ "Kolkatafootball.com :East Bengal League History: Indian Football Capital's News". kolkatafootball.com . Archived from the original on 12 February 2019. Retrieved 11 February 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191108213722/http://eastbengalclub.co.in/teamarchives.html https://thehinduimages.com/details-page.php?id=189658005 Arup Das represented Indian Senior Football Team in Dubai in Nehru Cup in the year 1982. Also he represented Indian Junior Football Team in the year 1981. https://www.assamolympic.org/members/Olympic_for_Indian_National.pdf