Abbas Moontasir, 82, one of the city’s best-known basketball exponents, passed away on Tuesday. Moontasir, an aggressive cager, got into trouble many a time when he questioned decisions of referees. Basketball fans especially at Nagpada adored him and beneath that tough exterior and impressive frame, was a kind man.

In the July 24-30, 1988 issue of Sportsweek magazine, Moontasir spoke about his on-field aggression. “There is nothing wrong in this [aggression]. I feel aggressive players are better appreciated. It also makes the sport all the more competitive.”