Contents
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-final in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. He died on 15 December 2002, aged 68.
Wiki/Biography
T. Abdul Rahman, endearingly called Olympian Rahman, was born on Saturday, 20 January 1934 (age 68 years; at the time of death) in Kozhikode, Kerala. He showed a remarkable passion for football from a small age. He started playing football at local clubs in Kozhikode and ended up playing for some of the best clubs in India. He became a football coach after he announced his retirement as a football player. In a career that lasted over 17 years, he cemented his place in the history of Indian football and its fans.
Physical Appearance
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Family
T. Abdul Rahman belonged to a Malayali family in Kozhikode, Kerala, India.
Parents & Siblings
There is not much information about his parents and siblings.
Wife & Children
There is not much information about his wife and children.
Career
Football
Domestic
He started his career during the 1950s by playing at some clubs in his hometown, Kozhikode. It did not take long for him to be a star in the Malabar football of his time, he played 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 was instrumental for the team in their four wins. He also captained the Bangalore team to win the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship in 1962. His stature as a world-class player was witnessed by people outside Kerala after his move to the Northern clubs. Rahman became a professional football coach after he finished his playing career. He coached for some of India’s top clubs like Mohammedan Sporting, Premier Tyres, and Travancore Titanium.
Rajasthan Club
Rahman became a popular name in Malabar football after he delivered top-class performances every time he stepped into the field. His hard work did not go unnoticed as he was handed his first international call shortly. His value as a player increased after being an international player following which he received a dream offer from Rajasthan Club. In 1955, he made headlines by joining the Rajasthan Club, one of the prestigious clubs during that time. He continued playing with them for the next four years and left Rajasthan Club to try his luck at Kolkata football.
Mohun Bagan
In 1959, he completed his transfer from Rajasthan Club to Mohun Bagan. He enjoyed a fruitful spell at Mohun Bagan, he was the focal point of defence and was named the club captain soon. His leadership qualities and defensive prowess made him a leader in the dressing room and a fan favourite. He decided to finish 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 against Russia in 1955 at Thiruvananthapuram. He was a regular in the Indian national team since his debut as he found tremendous success with clubs like Rajasthan Club and Mohun Bagan, two of the most popular names at that time in Indian club football. He was part of the Indian national football team that reached the semi-final of the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. The Indian team had a historic run, in which they even defeated the hosts 4-2 on their route to the semi-final. Rahman was forced to miss the Rome Olympics of 1960 as he suffered an injury. He announced his retirement from football in 1967.
Death
T. Abdul Rahman passed away on 15 December 2002 (aged 68) in Kozhikode, Kerala. Thousands of people paid their last respects to the footballer.
Facts/Trivia
- The Kozhikode District Football Association (KDFA) established the Olympian Rahman Memorial Academy of Football in 2005 as a tribute to honour the legacy of T. Abdul Rahman.
- He started playing football at an early age, and he discontinued schooling after the fourth standard to focus more on football.