Bengaluru, Jan. 22 -- Indian football on Thursday lost one of its most respected defenders as former national team member and East Bengal legend Ilyas Pasha passed away after a prolonged illness, a source said.
Pasha, 61, is survived by his wife, two daughters and two sons.
The news triggered an outpouring of tributes across the country for the Karnataka-born player who rose to become a defensive pillar in East Bengal's golden era in the 1990s.
Pasha, remembered for his calm leadership and immaculate defending, was among the rare footballers from Karnataka to not only establish himself at a national level but also captain East Bengal, one of India's most storied clubs.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) condoled Pasha's death, des...