When I marked Pelé
THE WEEK India|January 15, 2023
When we first heard that we would be playing against Pelé, we had to pinch ourselves to make sure it was not a dream. We were thinking, “Is this for real? Is Pelé really going to play against us?”
GAUTAM SARKAR
When I marked Pelé

Then with the New York Cosmos, he came to play against us in Kolkata in 1977 as part of an Asian tour. It was the greatest moment of my football career. We held them to a 2-2 draw, and we were actually leading 2-1 heading into the dying moments of the game. The credit goes to the entire Mohun Bagan team.

It almost did not happen. Because the ground was wet, and Pelé’s insurance agents were wary of letting him play. He told them no, saying that he had never seen such a huge, fervent crowd and that he could not disappoint them. The crowd that day was in lakhs, and there was a sea of people outside the stadium, too. He played all 90 minutes.

I was lucky that I got the chance to mark him. I stopped him a few times, but he is Pelé, you know, he is un-markable. My thinking was clear. The moment I saw him as an opponent, I tried to forget that he was Pelé. I told myself that I was no less than any player in the world, that I was also someone.

There is a photo that was published by the Anandabazar Patrika at the time, the only such photo, which shows me trying to tackle Pelé. That picture, I am told, is displayed at the Cosmos club in New York even now.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 15, 2023-Ausgabe von THE WEEK India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 15, 2023-Ausgabe von THE WEEK India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS THE WEEK INDIAAlle anzeigen
PEP'S CUBS
THE WEEK India

PEP'S CUBS

Pep Guardiola moulded two Ballon d'Or winners. And he had different methods for Messi and Rodri

time-read
7 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
She sets sail
THE WEEK India

She sets sail

While the number of women in the Indian maritime sector is growing, experts call for a safe and supportive ecosystem

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Taking the sea ashore...
THE WEEK India

Taking the sea ashore...

...and into space. Commander Abhilash Tomy's take on how lessons from sailing can be applied in diverse areas

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
FAIR WINDS
THE WEEK India

FAIR WINDS

THE WEEK's Maritime Conclave 2024 saw movers and shakers from the sector talk about reclaiming India's ocean legacy

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Leadership vacuum
THE WEEK India

Leadership vacuum

With Palaniswami struggling to establish a hold over the AIADMK, calls for the return of expelled leaders grow stronger

time-read
8 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
ISI working with pro-Khalistan elements in Canada
THE WEEK India

ISI working with pro-Khalistan elements in Canada

Once celebrated as a land of opportunity for Punjabi immigrants, Canada is turning into no-go zone over allegations that violent crime, gang networks and extremism are gaining root in the country. As Canada comes under scrutiny from Indian officials who claim it has become a ‘safe haven’ for criminals and separatist elements targeting India, the outcome can have serious repercussions. India believes that Canada is harbouring dangerous individuals and groups with strong ties to organised crime and pro-Khalistan networks. Punjab has felt the consequences most acutely.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Return of the native
THE WEEK India

Return of the native

As Canada makes life difficult for immigrants, Punjab witnesses a reversal in brain drain and a possible change in political equations

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Ladies first
THE WEEK India

Ladies first

Why the major parties in Jharkhand are going all out to woo women this election season

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
WOO AND WIN
THE WEEK India

WOO AND WIN

Recent developments have split the Maratha vote. The party that better articulates its engagement with the community's concerns stands to benefit

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Countdown to a north-south issue
THE WEEK India

Countdown to a north-south issue

Aastha Arora, India’s one-billionth baby, turned 24 on May 11. The world's eight-billionth babies will turn three on November 15. There were two claimants—one born in the Philippines, the other in the Dominican Republic.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024