How Did AIFF Honor the Legacy of Mohammed Rahmatullah After His Passing?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On December 3, the AIFF mourns the loss of Mohammed Rahmatullah, a celebrated forward in Indian football history. His contributions to the national team and domestic clubs are deeply cherished. Discover the legacy of this iconic player and the impact he left on the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Mohammed Rahmatullah was a legendary forward for India’s national football team.
- He scored five goals in 12 appearances for the national team.
- His remarkable achievements include winning the Santosh Trophy and the Aga Khan Gold Cup.
- He became a significant figure in club football, particularly with Mohammedan Sporting.
- Post-retirement, he contributed to football as a coach.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) The All India Football Federation expressed profound sorrow on Wednesday over the loss of former Indian forward Mohammed Rahmatullah. Renowned as one of the leading forwards of his era, Rahmatullah donned the national jersey on 12 occasions, netting five goals for India.
His most notable performance arguably took place in the quarterfinal of the 1958 Asian Games, where he scored twice, propelling India to a 5-2 victory. He made his national team debut against Burma on May 26, 1958.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey extended condolences, stating, “Mohammed Rahmatullah was an exceptional forward in his time, a player whose legacy will endure in Indian football. His contributions to the National Team and his remarkable domestic achievements will always be cherished. On behalf of the Indian football community, I offer my heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and the entire football fraternity. May his soul find eternal peace.”
At the domestic level, he clinched the Santosh Trophy with Bengal in both 1958 and 1959. Playing for Mohammedan Sporting from 1957 to 1962, Rahmatullah scored an impressive 69 goals, securing titles including the Calcutta Football League, IFA Shield, DCM Trophy, Rovers Cup, and the Aga Khan Gold Cup (Dhaka), among others.
In 1963, he joined Mohun Bagan and triumphed in both the Calcutta Football League and the Durand Cup that year. His pivotal role in securing the Aga Khan Gold Cup in Bangladesh in 1960 marked a significant milestone as it was the first tournament victory for an Indian club on foreign soil, where they defeated Indonesia's Persatuan Sepakbola Makassar 4–1 in the final, with Rahmatullah scoring a goal.
Rahmatullah dedicated most of his career to Mohammedan Sporting. He later played for the Bangladeshi team Dhaka Mohammedan, becoming one of the early Indians to transition internationally post-independence, alongside legends such as Mohammed Salim, who played for Celtic.
As a coach, Rahmatullah led EPIDC in the Dhaka First Division League, guiding the team to league championships in both 1967 and 1970. He also managed the Pakistan national team during the 1969 RCD Cup and the 1974 Asian Games.
Point of View
I believe it's crucial to recognize the profound impact Mohammed Rahmatullah had on Indian football. His legacy, marked by significant achievements both nationally and at the club level, deserves to be remembered and celebrated. The reverberations of his contributions will echo through the sport for generations.
NationPress
03/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Mohammed Rahmatullah's key achievements?
Mohammed Rahmatullah was a prominent forward who represented India 12 times, scoring five goals. He won the Santosh Trophy with Bengal in 1958 and 1959 and scored 69 goals for Mohammedan Sporting, securing numerous domestic titles.
When did Mohammed Rahmatullah make his national team debut?
He made his national team debut on May 26, 1958, against Burma.
What is the significance of the Aga Khan Gold Cup win?
His contribution to winning the Aga Khan Gold Cup in 1960 was historic as it marked the first tournament victory for an Indian club on foreign soil.
Did Mohammed Rahmatullah have a coaching career?
Yes, he coached EPIDC and led them to league titles in 1967 and 1970, and he also managed the Pakistan national team.
What impact did Rahmatullah have on Indian football?
Rahmatullah's legacy is one of excellence, inspiring future generations of players and solidifying his place in the history of Indian football.
