New Delhi, Jan 22 (NationPress) Former Indian football defender Ilyas Pasha passed away on Thursday after battling a prolonged illness, as reported by the All-India Football Federation (AIFF), which extended its condolences on his demise. He was 61 years old and leaves behind his wife, two daughters, and two sons.

Pasha was a humble and dedicated footballer who carved out a prominent career in the defensive role, characterized by strength and poise. Primarily serving as a right wing-back, he gained recognition for his impeccable timing, composed demeanor, and acute game awareness. His ability to remain calm under pressure, along with his disciplined positioning and precise tackles, created challenges for opposing left wingers, thereby instilling greater confidence in his goalkeepers.

On the international stage, Ilyas Pasha made his senior debut for India on January 27, 1987, against Bulgaria during the Nehru Cup held in Kozhikode. Over his career, he accumulated a total of eight international caps, participating in two Nehru Cup tournaments (1987 and 1991), the 1991 SAF Games, and the 1992 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Pasha began his football journey at Vinayaka Football Club located in Vyalikaval, north Bengaluru, where he resided. His exceptional performances led to a transfer to Indian Telephone Industries in the mid-1980s, paving his way to the national spotlight. From 1987 onward, he consistently represented Karnataka in the Santosh Trophy, competing in tournaments in Kolkata in 1987, Quilon (now Kollam) in 1988, and Guwahati in 1989. His outstanding performance in Guwahati was memorable, although Karnataka narrowly missed making it to the finals. Additionally, he won two Santosh Trophy titles with Bengal in 1993 and 1995.

Following his domestic achievements, Pasha joined Mohammedan Sporting, where he further elevated his status by winning the Sait Nagjee Trophy and the Nizam Gold Cup in 1989. He then moved to East Bengal, which marked the pinnacle of his club career.

As a pivotal player for the esteemed red and gold from the early 1990s to the late 1990s, Pasha was integral to one of the club's most triumphant eras. He captained the team during the 1993-94 season and was a reliable presence under the guidance of the late coach Subhas Bhowmick.

With the Red and Gold Brigade, he claimed the Calcutta Football League title five times (1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998), the IFA Shield five times (1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997), and the Durand Cup four times (1990, 1991, 1993, 1995). His extensive trophy collection also includes two Rovers Cups (1990, 1994), the Federation Cup (1996), the historic Wai Wai Cup in Kathmandu (1993), Airlines Trophy titles in 1990, 1992, 1995, and 1997, as well as the Bordoloi Trophy (1992), ATPA Shield (1992), Kalinga Cup (1993), McDowell Trophy (1995, 1997), and the Super Cup in the 1996-97 season.

Pasha was part of East Bengal's legendary triple crown-winning team in 1990 and captained them to their first international title at the Wai Wai Cup in 1993. He also led East Bengal during their remarkable 6-2 victory over Iraq's Al Zawraa SC in the 1993-94 Asian Cup Winners' Cup. In 2012, he was honored with a special Lifetime Achievement Award from East Bengal.

The AIFF conveyed its condolences to the Indian football fraternity over the loss of Pasha, a defender celebrated for his calmness and dependability, and acknowledged his lasting influence on the sport.