Dr Talimeren Ao (28 January 1918 โ 13 September 1998) was a Nagalan footballer and physician, know his biography and life story
He is most recognized for leading India’s national football team in their first-ever match.
He was a figurehead of India’s football history and one of the most renowned Nagas, and his name lives on in the collective memory of the people.
Dr Talimeren Ao Biography, Life Story, Football Career, Age, Family, Death And Dr T Ao Trophy
Early Life:
Ao was born on January 28, 1918, in Changki village, Naga Hills, to Reverend Subongwati Ningdangri Ao and Maongsangla Changkilari. He was their fourth of twelve children.
Football Carrier:
Ao joined Mohun Bagan of the Calcutta Football League in 1943. In 1948 and 1949, he captained the Maroon and Green, succeeding Sarat Das. Sarat Das was Ao’s senior at Cotton College in Guwahati, and the two had both played for the Maharana Club in Guwahati. Ao used to be a striker for the Maharana Club. But when he joined Mohun Bagan, he was moved to defense.
Ao was the Centre-Half at Mohun Bagan, and he and his two Backs were famously known as “the Great Wall of China.”
In 1948, he was assigned the captain’s armband to lead the Indian Football Team in London. Ao led Bagan in the Durand Cup in 1950, but they were defeated 1โ0 by Hyderabad Police in the final.
Ao informed his kid that during the Durand Cup (1950), the Mohun Bagan goalie was injured and he took his position. [failure to verify] Ao’s footballing abilities were well-known. And as such, he drew the interest of several foreign clubs, including the illustrious English side Arsenal F.C.
Ao famously turned down a one-year deal with the club in order to finish his education. A choice he never regretted in his later years.
Football Carrier (International):
Ao was the captain of the India national football team at the 1948 Summer Olympics. In the team’s first official game, a year after India gained independence, and was the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent. The Indian team’s first game was against Burma, but it was a walkover. India lost 2โ1 to France in their second encounter. With Sarangapani Raman scoring the only goal. Before retirement. Ao played five more matches for India.
Death:
Ao became ill with seasonal influenza in early 1998. Because he was already in poor condition and a diabetic, it resulted in more difficulties and deterioration. He was taken from Dimapur to Kohima, hospitalized, and died at the Naga Civil Hospital, where he had previously worked as a Civil Surgeon in the early 1960s.
He died as he intended and was laid to rest in the Naga Cemetery in Khermahal, Dimapur. He was the father of two boys, two daughters, and eight grandkids. His wife, Deikim Doungel, a Staff Nurse, died in June of 2018.
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