Legendary Jarnail Singh conferred Mohun Bagan Ratna posthumously

Kolkata, July 29 (IANS) India's legendary soccer defender Jarnail Singh was Sunday conferred Mohun Bagan Ratna - the club's highest award - posthumously.

The award was given to his three daughters as part of Mohun Bagan Day celebrations.

"We are very proud of our father. We thank Mohun Bagan club officials for presenting this award to my father," said Kulwinder Kaur.

Singh, who had played for Mohun Bagan club for 10 long years from 1959 to 1968, led the team for three years (1965-67).

Along with Chuni Goswami, he had brought several laurels for the historic club by winning the Calcutta League six times, IFA Shield and Durand Cup four times. One of the best defenders India has ever produced, Singh also excelled while playing for his country.

He was a key member of the side which won the gold at the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games and his performance in the 1960 Rome Olympics was also widely praised.

Singh passed away in 2000.

The All India Footall Federation (AIFF) had instituted the Jarnail Singh Award, in memory of the footballer, that is given to the best defender of the country.