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Regular-article-logo Tuesday, 01 July 2025

Assam bids adieu to 'safe hands'

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Staff Reporter Published 09.01.03, 12:00 AM

Guwahati, Jan. 9: Assam today lost a pair of safe hands with the passing away of former Santosh Trophy captain Prafulla Hazarika, regarded by many as the best goalkeeper to have been produced by the state, late last night. He was 71.

Family sources said Hazarika, who ran the Frontier Advertising Agency, breathed his last around 3 am at his Zoo Road residence. The tall and well-built Hazarika was diabetic, they said. He is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter.

Hailing from Sivasagar district in Upper Assam, Hazarika made his debut in 1950 in an inter-district meet. His sheer talent saw him being roped in by one of Assam’s leading clubs — Guwahati Town Club — in 1952.

Sports minister Robin Bordoloi led the capital’s sporting fraternity in mourning his sudden demise. The Assam Football Association, Assam Cricket Association, Assam Hockey Association, Guwahati Sports Association, Sports Authority of India, GTC and Ankurjyoti Club described his death as a “great loss” to Assam sports.

Known as much for his goalkeeping prowess as for his able leadership qualities, Hazarika was cremated this afternoon at the Nabagraha crematorium in the presence of hundreds of his peers and admirers.

As a mark of respect to the departed soul, the GSA, of which Hazarika was a life-member, will fly its flag at half-mast for three days.

Hazarika’s funeral procession was taken to The Assam Tribune, of which he was a former employee, GSA and GTC, of which he was vice-president.

Former footballer Pulak Lahiri described him as a great footballer and a human being.

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