by Preetam BC

Kokrajhar, Dec 31: Veteran footballer Nikunja Brahma, who represented Assam in various national level football tournaments, expired on Monday (30 December 2019) after a brief illness at a private hospital in West Bengal Coochbeher.

He was 68 and leaves behind his wife, two sons, a daughter in law, grand daughter and host of relatives.

Born on 22^nd December 1951, Brahma represented Kokrajhar Government Higher Secondary & Multipurpose School, Assam in Subroto Mukherjee Cup, New Delhi in 1969 and 1970. He was part of the National School Games Championship in 1969, represented junior state team in Dr BC Roy Trophy and won the honour of national runnersup in 1971, represented Gauhati University Football team in 1971 and 1973 and won the honour of unbeaten runnersup champions in 1971, represented Senior state football team in Santosh trophy in 1972, represented KDSA Junior team in 1969 and GSA Junior team in 1970 and won the honour of championship both year. He was also the 1^st four recipient of National Sport Talent Scholarship in 1971 from Assam. He also played for Maharana AC, Daimalu Sports Club, Barhoongkha club etc.

Brahma served in the Border Security Force (BSF) and retired as Commandant of BSF.

His last funeral was performed today (Tuesday) at his native village Kokrajhari in Kokrajhar ward/ no. 10. His departed soul was taken to Kokrajhar District Sports Association (KDSA) where people from all walks of life paid shradhanjali. Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Executive Member Doneswar Goyary, KDSA office bearers, locals visited his house for condolence and paid their last respect o the departed soul.