Former Indian football team captain Carlton Chapman passed away here on Monday. Chapman complained of back pain in the early hours of Monday, and breathed his last a couple of hours later, his close friends stated. He was 49.
Chapman — an integral part of the Indian team from 1995 to 2001 — was among the last footballers from Karnataka to make a big impression on the international stage. A midfielder known for his speedy runs and clever assists, Chapman was the perfect foil for strikers.
Achievements
Under his captaincy, India won the SAFF Championship in Kathmandu in 1997. Chapman was part of the Indian team which won the SAF Games (1995) in Chennai, Nehru Cup (1997) in Kochi, and SAFF Championship (1999) in Margao.
He was an accomplished performer at the national club level as well. A precocious young talent, Chapman started his career at SAI Centre (Bengaluru), before moving to Tata Football Academy (TFA) in Jamshedpur in 1990.
His big break came in 1993, when he joined East Bengal. Chapman made an instant impression, scoring a hat-trick in East Bengal’s 6-2 win over Iraqi club Al-Zawra in the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup.
After two seasons with East Bengal, he signed for JCT Mills, where he played alongside Baichung Bhutia and I.M. Vijayan. The midfielder returned to East Bengal in 1998, and led the club to the National Football League (NFL) title in 2001.
After his playing career, Chapman took up coaching. He worked with Royal Wahingdoh, Sudeva FC, Bhawanipore FC and other clubs. Chapman was due to join Gokulam Kerala FC as the reserve team head coach in November.
Vijayan’s homage
Former teammate and close friend Vijayan stated that Chapman was a once-in-a-generation talent. “Chapman is one of the greatest footballers that India has seen. Krishanu Dey was the best midfielder of his generation, and Chapman was one of the best from our generation,” Vijayan said.
“Carlton was a great midfielder. I am probably the one who played the most with him as a striker. I played with him at JCT and FC Kochin. We won a lot — Durand Cup, Federation Cup, etc — together. He was a brilliant player; selfless on the field. I was very close to his family. I used to stay at his Austin Town house in Bengaluru when I came over for India camps,” a heartbroken Vijayan said.
Condolences
Praful Patel, All India Football Federation president, said, “It’s sad to hear that Carlton Chapman is no more. His contribution to Indian football will never be forgotten. I share the grief.”
