Sudeep Pakrashi

Subhasish Bose, the defender and captain of ISL Cup and Shield-winning Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) this season does not hesitate to declare winning the ‘best defender’s award of the season at the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) awards ceremony in Bhubaneswar on Friday was the greatest honor so far he has achieved.

Bose also sounded thrilled to have been aware of the statistics that after a span of 12 years a Bengali footballer won ‘best defender’s award from the AIFF.

When asked for his feelings, the 29-year-old defender mentioned sharing stage with one of his childhood coaches Ranjan Chowdhury in the award ceremony function was a special moment for him. “Ranjan Chowdhury is one of my childhood coaches and he also received special award from AIFF for his contribution as a coach to Indian football on the same day. I became quite excited that we shared the same stage while receiving awards. It was a special moment for me.”

Bose, an ardent fan of legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini, dedicates this award to the whole of his football society. “I used to start playing the game watching my father. He was my first coach. Then I came across several coaches from my early days, especially Biswajit Halder. So, everybody has a major contribution to the rise of Subhasish Bose. My family, my club coaches, officials, and obviously the club’s passionate fans-I dedicate this award to each and everybody,” exclaimed Bose.

Despite being a defender Bose has scored six goals in the recently-concluded ISL and amidst the 80 percent accurate passes he made in the ISL 20 chances were created. Bose revealed this award will inspire to win the ‘best defender’s award every year in future.

He said, “I have been trying to win this award for my last 10 years of mainstream football. Every year, I mentally start preparing myself at the beginning of the season. The dream finally came true this season. I am determined to increase the hard-work to achieve the award frequently.”