A closer look at the trailer of the Ajay Devgn-starrer Maidaan and you will immediately connect with the fact that Devgn is playing the role of legendary football coach Syed Abdul Rahim - the chief architect of the period that can truly be called the 'Golden Age of Indian Football'. In fact, the story of Rahim and his boys has all the right ingredients from official apathy to heroes battling it out after debacles and rising again to become the top team in the continent for a classic sports movie.
Rahim became the manager of Hyderabad Police and the Indian national team in 1950. During his tenure, Hyderabad Police won the Rovers Cup five times in a row from 1950 to 1954 and the Durand Cup four times. After refusing to participate in the 1950 FIFA World Cup, India won gold at the 1951 Asian Games, beating a strong Iranian side 1-0 in front of a packed home crowd in Delhi, with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in attendance.
India's journey to the pinnacle of Asian football became possible only because of the tactical brilliance of their coach. He despised the British style that concentrated on ball possession and dribbling, with the attackers thriving on long aerial balls. To develop fast passing and combination play, he started 'one-touch' football tournaments. Rahim also started a 'weaker-foot' tournament where the players could only use their weaker foot for passing and scoring goals. When the rest of the country was still playing the archaic 2-3-5 formation, the revolutionary coach opted for the 4-2-4 system that was made popular much later by the gorgeous Brazilians in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup. A man far ahead of his time, Rahim could think out-of-the-box and was always ready to try out new tactics. So, it is hardly surprising that three of India's greatest managers in the post-Rahim era PK Banerjee, Amal Dutta and Syed Nayeemuddin - were all mentored by Rahim Saab.
Bu hikaye Man's World dergisinin September 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Man's World dergisinin September 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Rekha At 70 The Enduring Mystique
More than a generation after she was last seen on screen, the mystique that she successfully wrapped herself in continues to serve her well in the public imagination. Her fleeting public appearances in dazzling silk sarees and makeup continue to beguile the camera in the same manner it did at the peak of her career
iPhone Fatigue
Do we really need an annual Apple flagship release?
Men's Guide To Combat Premature Hair Loss
Male pattern baldness hit men at an early age, at times in late 30s and early 40s. We asked the experts the reason behind it, treatments that can help, and factors to take care of
SMRITI MANDHANA MAKES CRICKET LOOK EASY
In conversation with Man's World for Hyundai Drive Within campaign, the stylish Indian batter talks about her craft, evolution, and her thoughts on women's cricket
Pritam Hitting The High Note
A National Award for Brahmastra: Part One Shiva this year and songs that continue to clock millions of streams, Pritam Chakraborty proves why he's one of the most acclaimed Hindi Film music directors of our time
JEMIMAH RODRIGUES IS HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE
In conversation with Man's World as a part of Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Jemimah Rodrigues take us through the drive within her that inspires her to be the best in her business.
SHAFALI VERMA IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
In conversation with Man's World India as a part of the Hyundai Drive Within campaign, Shafali Verma opens up about her historic double century, her fearless brand of cricket, and more
Hands Onl Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch SPB455 100th Anniversary Edition
Seiko's 100th anniversary of the first watch to bear its name brought an exciting addition to its famed Prospex collection; a timepiece that pays homage to the brand's iconic history while embracing modern ideas of versatile wearability
WATCHES ON THE WILD SIDE ATYPICAL CASE DESIGNS
Horology isn't just about precision. It's also about understanding the rules of perception-and sometimes, taking a sledgehammer to them
Denim The Timeless Trendsetter
Crystal Henricksen, Head of Denim Design at GAP, shares with us what makes the fabric simple, versatile, and timeless