Born in October 4, 1936, in Secunderabad, Balaram along with Chuni Goswami and PK Banerjee formed the famed troika in the golden era.
CALCUTTA: Olympian and 1962 Asian Games gold medallist Tulsidas Balaram had broken his link with Indian football fraternity long back.
But the 83-year-old, who represented the country at the 1956 and 1960 Olympics in Melbourne and Rome, had a surprise visitor in fellow Hyderabadi and former India international Mohammad Farid at his Uttarpara residence couple of months ago.
“It was a great pleasure discussing Kolkata and Hyderabad football with Farid. We stay in the same state, but met after 32 years. It was a great feeling to connect to the sport after a long time,” Balaram told khelupdates.com.
Born in October 4, 1936, in Bolaram in Secunderabad, Balaram along with Chuni Goswami and PK Banerjee was a part of Indian football’s Holy Trinity’ in the golden era — in 12 of the 16 matches the trio netted 20 of India”s 36 goals between 1958 and 1962.
Goswami died here on Thursday at 82, 41 days after Banerjee passed away following a prolonged illness.
The soft-spoken former East Bengal and India forward, who remained a bachelor, share a common link with Farid – they started their careers at the red and gold club.
“I’m meeting him after so many years. The last time I had met was when I was a Mohun Bagan player. He had come over at the club tent and shared some few moments with us,” said Farid, who retired from the sport in 1992.
Both Balaram and Farid discussed the sport’s declining standard in Bengal and Hyderabad, and also how to develop it.
“The focus should be on the districts. Bengal is doing much better in terms of development, but Hyderabad football is dead. We need to encourage youngsters and boost the sport in schools and colleges,” added Balaram, who enjoyed a demi-God status among the East Bengal fans for his commitment.
He enjoyed a huge fan following at East Bengal
Balaram got such adulation when he was a East Bengal star from 1957-1962. East Bengal’s legions of supporters loved him for his commitment.
The loyalty he inspired is unsurpassed. As a token of gratitude some fans would take turns to accompany him when he went for the national camps, wash his clothes and run daily errands for him.
Balaram became the third footballer to score 100 goals for East Bengal — he was also the quickest to reach the milestone.
When he heard Farid is coaching under-privileged kids at Salt Lake (it has come to a standstill since March lockdown), Balaram said, “I’m happy to know he (Farid) has been mentoring a group of poor boys. I wasn’t aware of it. I admire his generosity. It’s also great to know that Riyada Sports Management company is investing on the sport’s development.
There was a piece of advice from the living legend, who made Bengal his home since he retired in 1962.
“Do your work and don’t expect rewards. What you do today for football’s development, will be remembered by your students. Carry on the good work,” he told Farid.
(Statistics: Gautam Roy)
So many inferior players have been getting Awards as well as benefit matches from the Govt as a recognition of their achievements, but God knows why Mr. Balaram is being ignored by the Govt. He got only Arjuna award, but not even Padmasree. Strange.