Mannada will be missed

Mannada’s stature as a footballer remained undiminished, generations of Indian footballers were in awe of him and drew inspiration from the records and stories of the legend. I was lucky to meet him and shared a good couple of hours with him which I’m sure will remain etched in my memory foreover.

It was one of the rarest moments of my life. Just before the 2000 Sydney Olympics, I chanced upon to meet and interview India’s Olympic legends in Calcutta. Among India’s Olympic heroes, Sailen Manna’s name topped my list. Not only was he independent India’s first football captain, Mannada was an ideal sportsman and a perfect gentleman.

I didn’t have much problem in locating his modest government flat on C.I.T Road in central Calcutta.

Mannada was at the door to receive me. With his soft-demeanour and a gentle smile, he welcomed me into his house. Later, he directed me to his bedroom-cum-sitting room where he introduced me to his wife, Abhadi.

We spoke about his early years in Howrah ,where he was born, and eventually the topic stretched to Mohun Bagan – the club he played for 19 long years. For a change, I curbed all my journalistic instincts and allowed him to speak while I munched crispy Calcutta singaras (snacks) and sandesh . I felt like a child listening to his dadu (grandpa) narrating his life experiences to his grandson.

On joining Bagan, Mannada felt that it was a natural love and likeness for players in his generation who wanted to play for Bagan. “In our days, Bagan was a big thing. Everybody wanted to play for them. Today, I feel proud to have played for such a famous club,” he said.

In fact, he was the symbol of a period in India’s sporting history when success on the field was firmly connected to emotions, excitement and values. Mannada will also be remembered for his 19 years service to Mohun Bagan, which is another reason to place him among true footballing greats, particularly in the modern age, where such royalty is becoming increasingly scarce.