D Ethiraj was part of India's victorious men's football team at Jakarta 1962 ©Official Report Jakarta 1962

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has led tributes to D Ethiraj, a member of the Indian side who won men's football gold at the 1962 Asian Games.

Ethiraj, who was 86, passed away last Friday (December 11).

Several members of India's side have died this year, including Pradip Kumar Banerjee and captain Subimal Goswami.

Banerjee scored in the final and Goswami bagged a brace in the semi-final.

India beat South Korea 2-1 in the final in Jakarta.

It remains the last football gold medal won by India at the Asian Games.

Ethiraj, who was 28 at the time, was among the most experienced players in the India squad and playing for the Services team at the time.

He scored five goals to help Services win a first Santosh Trophy crown in 1960-1961, at a time when it represented the top prize in Indian club football.

"It’s sad to hear that DM Ethiraj is no more," AIFF President Praful Patel said.

"He was one of the members of the golden generation of Indian Football. 

"I share the grief."

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das hailed Ethiraj as a "naturally talented and gifted forward".