MARGAO
Former international footballer Joaquim Baretto passed away due to an age-related illness in Mumbai. He was 71 and is survived by his wife two daughters and a son.
Baretto, who hails from Navelim, was one of the best defenders in the country who was unbeatable in the air and ground. Baretto played at home when there was no dearth players in the State. He played for Central Railways and joined Tata Sports Club and remained with them till the end of his career.
He represented India at Asian Youth Trophy in 1974, Bangkok, where they emerged as joint winners with Iran. A year later, he played in Asian Youth Cup. He captained Tata SC and won the Nadkarni Cup and Harwood League without a loss. During his prime days, Baretto represented Maharashtra in the National Football Championship at Coimbatore in 1979-80. After retiring from active football, Baretto started coaching and trained the St Francis de Assis High School team in the school tournaments.
