Bhopal mourns death of Diego Maradona

BHOPAL: Paying tributes to the football legend Diego Armando Maradona, the soccer fraternity in state capital Bhopal observed one-minute silence on various grounds across the city on Thursday. The Argentine footballer passed away on Wednesday; he had turned 60 last month.
Players at Piplani football ground gathered a paid tribute for a minute. Remembering the 1986 World Cup, former Indian Super League (ISL) referee, Anil Tanwar said, “I can never forget the game Maradona demonstrated in that mega event.”
Tanwar added, “I was in an under-16 football in UP.I, along with other players, watched that entire tournament and since then he has been our hero, and would always be. I am shocked to hear about his demise.”
Another fan and a football coach Harwinder Singh said, “This is the end of an era. Such players are born once in a lifetime. I am fortunate to see him playing live. He was an excellent player as well as an excellent coach.” He added that respect for Maradona could be gauged from the fact that players from different games paid tribute to the legend. “Not only soccer but the entire sport community will always remember him for his great game,” he said.
While paying tribute, former Santosh Trophy player Melvin Shaji said, “He has uplifted the game of soccer. His presence on the ground was always electrifying. I have been his keen follower ever since I started playing soccer.” Another soccer player Anand said, “Maradona is a name which is a synonym to soccer. I have only seen old videos but the game he had played during his time is rare. I have been a great fan of him. ”