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T. Abdul Rahman (1934–2002) was an Indian Olympic footballer turned coach. He was a member of the Indian national football team that reached the semi-finals at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. He died on 15 December 2002 at the age of 68.
Wiki/Biography
T. Abdul Rahman, fondly called Olympian Rahman, was born on Saturday, 20 January 1934 (age 68 years at the time of death) in Kozhikode, Kerala. He showed amazing passion for football from a young age. He started playing football in local clubs in Kozhikode and eventually played for some of the best clubs in India. After announcing his retirement as a football player he became a football coach. In a career spanning over 17 years, he cemented his place in the history of Indian football and its fans.
Physical Appearance
Hair Color: Black
Eye colour: black
Family
T. Abdul Rahman belonged to a Malayali family in Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
parents and siblings
There is not much information about his parents and siblings.
wife and children
There is not much information about his wife and children.
livelihood
soccer
domestic
He started his career in the 1950s by playing in a few clubs in his hometown Kozhikode. It didn’t take long for him to become a star in the Malabar football of his time, playing for clubs like Independence Sports Club Kozhikode and Universal Club. In 1954, he was part of the Malabar team that reached the semi-finals of the Rovers Cup. During 1955–1966, he represented the Bengal team 9 times in the Santosh Trophy national football championship and played a key role in four of their victories. He also captained the Bangalore team to win the Santosh Trophy national football championship in 1962. His stature as a world-class player was noticed by people outside Kerala after his move to northern clubs. Rahman became a professional football coach after ending his playing career. He coached for some of the top clubs in India like Mohammedan Sporting, Premier Tires and Travancore Titanium.
Rajasthan Club
Rahman became a popular name in Malabar football as he delivered top class performances every time he stepped onto the field. His hard work did not go unnoticed as he was soon handed his first international call up. His value as a player increased after being an international player after which he received a dream offer from Rajasthan club. In 1955, he made headlines by joining Rajasthan Club, one of the prestigious clubs of that time. He continued playing with them for the next four years and left the Rajasthan club to try his luck in Kolkata football.
mohun bagan
In 1959, he completed his transfer from Rajasthan club to Mohun Bagan. He enjoyed a useful spell at Mohun Bagan, he was the focal point of the defense and was soon named club captain. His leadership qualities and defensive skills made him a leader in the dressing room and a fans’ favourite. He decided to end his professional career as a footballer at the end of the 1967 season.
international
He received his first international call-up at the age of 19. Rahman was a popular name in the domestic league by that time. He made his international debut for the Indian national football team in 1955 against Russia in Thiruvananthapuram. He was a regular in the Indian national team since his debut as he enjoyed tremendous success with clubs such as Rajasthan Royals and Mohun Bagan, two of the most popular names in Indian club football at the time. He was part of the Indian national football team that reached the semi-finals of the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. The Indian team produced a historic performance as they defeated the hosts 4–2 on their way to the semi-finals. Rahman was forced to miss the 1960 Rome Olympics due to injury. He announced his retirement from football in 1967.
Death
T. Abdul Rahman died on 15 December 2002 (aged 68) in Kozhikode, Kerala. Thousands of people bid final farewell to the footballer.
Facts/General Knowledge
- The Kozhikode District Football Association (KDFA) established the Olympian Rahman Memorial Football Academy in 2005 to honor the legacy of T. Abdul Rahman.
- He started playing football at an early age and stopped schooling after the fourth grade to focus more on football.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn