May 13: Veteran football administrator and former Mohun Bagan president Swapan Sadhan Bose, widely known as Tutu Bose, passed away in Kolkata at the age of 78, bringing an end to a long and influential chapter in Indian club football.
Bose was one of the most prominent figures in Mohun Bagan’s modern history, associated with the club’s administration for several decades. His leadership helped the club navigate key phases of transition, balancing its traditional identity with the evolving demands of professional football.
He first assumed a leadership role at Mohun Bagan in the 1989–90 season and went on to serve one of the longest presidential tenures in Indian football. Over the years, he was also involved in broader football governance discussions and represented Indian football in international administrative forums.
After stepping down in 2017 on health grounds, he returned to the club’s presidency in 2022, reflecting the continued confidence he commanded among members and supporters. He eventually retired from all official responsibilities in 2025, closing a significant era in the club’s history.
His passing has triggered widespread grief across the football community. Mohun Bagan Super Giant described him as an inseparable part of the club’s legacy, while several leaders from the sports and political spheres expressed condolences and recalled his long-standing contribution to Indian football.
Widely regarded as a steady and influential administrator, Tutu Bose is remembered for his commitment to the club, his administrative continuity, and his role in strengthening the foundations of Indian club football over multiple decades.