Former Indian football captain Babu Mani passes away at 59

• Babu Mani, who was an integral part of the Indian football team in the 1980s, passed away after a prolonged battle with liver-related issues. 

• He was 59. He represented India in 55 international matches and was a part of the first Indian team that qualified for the AFC Asian Cup in 1984.

• Babu Mani made his India debut against Argentina in Kolkata during the 1984 Nehru Cup and went on to play 55 matches for the country.

•  He was also a part of the first Indian squad to qualify for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in 1984 and went on to play in the tournament in Singapore.

•  Mani was also a member of the Indian team which won gold medals at the 1985 and 1987 editions of the South Asian Games.

•  Babu Mani, also part of the Bengal Team which won Santosh Trophy in 1986 and 1988.