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regular-article-logo Sunday, 03 November 2024

Free kick Mannada

Departed FD Block resident and icon of Indian football Sailen Manna would have turned 100 on September 1. Posers from Souvik Das on the man and his times

Souvik Das Published 09.08.24, 11:48 AM
Born in 1922 and promoted in 1929, this institution has the logo of a rising sun.

Born in 1922 and promoted in 1929, this institution has the logo of a rising sun. Pictures: The Telegraph

  • Born in 1922 and promoted in 1929, this institution has the logo of a rising sun. Why is this institution so important in relation to Sailen Manna?

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  • This image is of an iconic publication. What is the alphabet missing before “A” and why is this publication so important with relation to Sailen Manna?
  • Established in 1851, how is this iconic building associated with Sailen Manna?

  • In the illustrious history of Indian football, Gostho Paul holds the distinction of being the first, and Bembem Devi stands out as the only woman to achieve this honour. Can you identify Sailen Manna’s unique position on this distinguished list?

  • This tournament was initially organised to coincide with the visit of Princess Elizabeth to a neighbouring country. However, the visit was canceled due to the death of King George VI. India won all four editions of the tournament, with Sailen Manna captaining the team in three of them. When the organisers attempted to renew the tournament after a one-year hiatus, the AIFF decided to withdraw its involvement. The chief organiser remarked, “Without India, the tournament is dead.” Can you name this tournament?
  • Of the playing XI, Taj Mohammed, K.P. Dhanraj and Thenmadom Varghese were exceptions. Sailen Manna was not an exception. What exception are we talking about?
  • “Three hours passed since the match had ended. It was 9 o’clock at night. Noticing that thousands of supporters still surrounded the tent, I fled through the back door along with Prasun Banerjee and took refuge at a restaurant by the side of the river Ganges. It was only at 2.30am, well past midnight, that Sailen Manna came in a police jeep and rescued us to a mess at Elliot Road.” – Which match is being referred to here and who is speaking about his indebtedness to Sailen Manna?
  • Who is this woman and how is she related to a funny hearsay related to the life of Sailen Manna?
  • Identify the players involved and the dubious feat they accomplished during one of the most iconic matches in Indian football history where France defeated us 2-1 during the 1948 Summer Olympics in London.
  • Rinus Michels led the Ajax football team which was defeated by the India National Team 5-1 during their tour of Europe following their illustrious show against France at the 1948 Olympics. This was a significant moment in Indian football history that showcased India’s footballing talent to the world. Sailen Manna was part of that moment too. Rinus is credited with a significant invention related to football. What was it?

(Souvik Das is an IT professional and author whose day job brings him to Sector V four days a week)

Send your answers by August 19 with your contact details. The fastest entry from among our print edition readers with the maximum number of correct responses will get a token of appreciation from us.

Write in to saltlake@abp.in.

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