Sudip Chatterjee (footballer)

Sudip started his playing career with Howrah Sahajatri Club, where his skills were spotted by former India international Arun Ghosh. In 1981, he signed for Calcutta 1st Division league team Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR) Club. After spending a season with BNR, he joined Kolkata giant Mohun Bagan in 1982. After two seasons with Mohun Bagan, Chatterjee moved to Bagan's arch rival East Bengal Club in 1984. While at East Bengal, Sudip was shifted to Central Midfield by the then coach of the club, Amal Dutta. Sudip remained with East Bengal till 1987. During his stay with East Bengal, he was adjudged the player of the year by the AIFF in 1986. He joined Mohun Bagan again in 1988 and played for them in the corresponding two seasons. In 1990, he returned to East Bengal for a one-year stint. Sudip finally returned to Mohun Bagan in 1991 and retired at the end of 1992 season. ==International career==

After his 1982 debut with Mohun Bagan as a Central Defender, Sudip was included in the Indian Team for 1982 Asian Games. He was a very dependable member of the Indian Football Team till his retirement in 1992. Sudip represented India in Asian Games, Asia Cup, Pre-World Cup, Pre-Olympic, Merdeka Cup, SAF Games and Nehru Gold Cup. He captained India in SAF Games(1985), Pre-World Cup(1986), Asian Games (1986), Merdeka Cup(1986), Nehru Gold Cup(1985 & 1988) and Asia Cup(1988). 1992 Asia Cup was his last International tournament. ==Personal life==

Sudip is the eldest son of Chatterjee family of Howrah Chatterjeehat area in Shibpur.Chatterjee used to live at Mandirtala, Howrah, the twin city of Kolkata. After his retirement from football due to ill health, he was subsequently also diagnosed with dementia. ==Honours==

Player India • South Asian Games Gold medal: 1985; Bronze medal: 1989 Mohun Bagan • IFA Shield: 1989 • Sikkim Gold Cup: 1989 • All Airlines Gold Cup: 1989 • Calcutta Football League: 1992 East Bengal • Durand Cup: 1990 • IFA Shield: 1990 • Rovers Cup: 1990 Bengal • Santosh Trophy: 1981-82, 1986-87, 1988-89 Manager Bengal • Santosh Trophy: 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98 Individual • Awarded Player of the Decade by AIFF in 1994 • Awarded Player of the Year by AIFF in 1986 ==See also==