Indian football - All we need is our heroes!

“My name… is Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev. I’ve come to take things in hand here. This city… is not Kursk, nor is it Kiev, nor Minsk. This city… is Stalingrad. *Stalingrad*! This city bears the name of the Boss. It’s more than a city, it’s a symbol. If the Germans… capture this city… the entire country will collapse. Now… I want our boys to raise their heads. I want them to act like they have *balls*! I want them to stop shitting their pants! That’s your job. As political officers… I’m counting on you. [he looks at one man] “.. – screams a short diminutive Soviet Bureaucrat.

“You. What’s your suggestion? “

Sweating Officer: [visibly nervous] Sh-shoot all the other generals who have retreated, and their chiefs of staff, too. Stammering Officer: [Khrushchev moves down the line to another man] M-m-m-make some examples. D-d-d-d-d-d-deport the families of the d-d-d-deserters - Nikita Khrushchev: [turning away] Yes, that’s all been done.

[All of a sudden from the back of the room]

” Give them hope! “, screams out a tall dusky Soviet general. [Khrushchev turns around and strides down the line to Danilov]

…”We must make them believe in the victory. We must give them hope, pride, a desire to fight. Yes… we need to make examples. But examples to *follow*. What we need… [he glances quickly at Khrushchev]

… are HEROES! “

Perhaps there would be no better depiction of the legendary battle of Stalingrad than in the 2001 war film of ‘Enemy at the gates’. A battle that would then go on to prove pivotal in determining the outcome of the Second World War , exploiting the faintest of chinks in the Fuhrer’s armoury!

However, it was not something that was simply meant to be. For it was the Germans, who stood on the cusp of a victory; seemingly destroying the Soviet resistance for most of the never-ending battle.

With the Russian morale torn down to pieces, it took a moment of inspiration from their fellow comrade that changed the course of history. If the battle could be considered the turning point of the Second World War, those few seconds of upliftment from the Soviet officer(Camissar Danilov, played by Joseph Fiennes in the movie) was turning point of the battle itself.

Well, analogies can always be the most weirdest and the most far-fetched. And going by a similar vein, one can relate the Soviet struggle to the state of Indian football. Wretched, broken and devastated – the fans here lack belief; belief in their team; in their country! Cos’ for over the years, we have failed to identify our heroes; someone to look up to; someone who could fill us with the motivation to scream our hearts out!

Not that we never had them. It’s just about the way we look at things!

Not more than a mere few weeks ago, a group of young Indian starlets stood dejected and disappointed, after failing to overcome the Iraqi challenge. Their coach Arthur Papas waved at them! With an unmatched tone of his, he spoke out - “Listen boys! I am very proud to be your Coach. You make me proud.”

Afterall, not many had pushed the Iraqis, a continental heavyweight, to the very brink. The middle-easterns had to resort to playing to the flags at the dying moments. Very rarely had an Indian team commanded such authority.

Papas’ Iraqi counter-part Hakeem Shakir walked over to him. “I’ve seen many an Indian team in the past across all age-groups. But I admit this is the best Indian team I’ve ever played against. I mean it.” A look of genuineness was evident on his face!

The campaign included further wins over Turkmenistan and Lebanon; and a fighting draw against vastly superior United Arab Emirates. The qualification to the U-22 Asian Championships may not have been secured; but yes, we do have our heroes for the future.

Almost a quarter century ago, an Indian man found himself in the same room as Celtic manager Willie Malley. He was determined to put forward the talents of his cousin for the world to behold. In a very soft voice of his, the man directed towards Malley.

“A great player from India has come by ship. Will you please take a trial of his? But there is a slight problem. He plays in bare feet.”

Malley laughed it off but repeated persuasion eventually led to success. In front of a 1000 club member, the young dark man from India was asked to demonstrate his skills. What followed left the strong camp of observers dumbstruck. Mohammed Salim, who was by now a legend at Kolkata based Mohammedan Sporting, dazzled the Scottish spectators.

Seemingly impressed, they decided to play him in a friendly match. A skillful winger, his immaculate ball control was evident during his debut. He possessed unparalled accuracy; swayed by not an inch; His vision was note-worthy.

An article in the Glasgow Observer dated 5th September 1936 read this about what is said to be Salim’s debut in a Celtic strip..

“Abdul Salim, Celtic’s Indian International trialist, tickled the crowd at Celtic Park on Friday with his magnificent ball manipulation. In his bare feet he was a conspicuous figure but this was further emphasised by his dark skin against the white and green of the Celtic strip. His play was top class. Every ball he touched went exactly to the place he wanted it to. Not one inch was it out. His crosses into goal were simply shrieking to be nodded into the net. I wouldn’t like to have calculated the score had McGrory been playing ….. Dawson missed a penalty kick which Salim, despite the invitation of Alex Miller, refused to take.”

Salim eventually felt home-sick and wanted to return to India. It is said that he was offered a massive sum of £1,800, raised from a charity match, to make him stay. The humble Indian refused; and asked it to be spent on orphans instead.

Rewind a couple of decades back. A group of 11 bare-footed men led by Shibdas Bhaduri, triumphed over the British team of East Yorkshire, as Mohun Bagan lifted the famous IFA Shield. The win that was not only a mere win but was one that triggered the Indian nationalism, in the midst of the independence struggle.

Within seconds of the final whistle, the entire city was filled with the cries of “Bande Mataram” and “Jai Hind”, as the English made a hasty exit.

It is said that when the team was returning to the club with the Shield, a Brahmin pointed to the Union Jack atop the Fort William & asked – ” When will that come down ? ” Somebody replied ” It will come down when Mohun Bagan will win the shield again.”

Incidentally, their next triumph went on to be in the year of 1947, the year of independence!

Yes, we always had our heroes…

Sailen Manna, India’s very own Paulo Maldini, not only served his club for a record 19 years for not more than a paltry sum of Rs. 19, he was also the first ever Asian to be named as the Top 10 captains by the English FA. He was part of the team that came agonizingly close in defeating the mighty French.

India had their own Sir Alex, as Syed Rahim ushered the golden generation of Indian football in the 50s and 60s, which saw the national team win gold in Asian Games, a fourth place finish in the Olympics, a ticket to the World Cup that was ridiculously wasted and a runners up finish in the Asia Cup, continent’s equivalent of the Euro Cup.

Today, when Sunil Chhetri makes his way to Sporting Lisbon, no matter what the professional motives are behind the move, it gives the fans yet another opportunity to identify with a hero. Someone who can carry on the legacy of the likes of IM Vijayan and Bhaichung Bhutia.

It gives them hope; a hope for a better future. The above facts are known by many but the inspirations behind them remain untold. It is imperative that we know the tales of our glorious past, the heroes of the present and future. Cos’ in the midst of all the darkness and difficulties that looms over our footballing fraternity, only these ‘heroes’ can keep the fans going; could keep the dreams alive; the desire burning!

Note: Sources of historial quotes- Wikipedia, AIFF, Mohun Bagan…