Former eminent footballer Prashant Patra passed away at his Sutahat residence in Cuttack today. He was 80 and survived by his wife and son Laldeep Patra. Reckoned as one of the greatest exponents of the game in Orissa, Patra represented the state in all the major National competitions including Santosh Trophy, Durand Cup, Rovers Cup and IFA Shield as a goalkeeper in 1960s. He was a contemporary of Sheikh Babu and Golak Samal.

Popularly known as Lala, Patra earned praise for his dependable and stylish performance under the bar. Born on December 15, 1930, Patra played domestic competitions for Orissa Police and Kalinga Tubes. His demise caused a void for football in Orissa.