Talimeran Ao
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Talimeran Ao (1919-September 13, 1998) was an Indian footballer who went on to become a leading physician.
Born in 1919 in the Naga village of Chanki (Mokokchong district) Ao started his football career with the Maharana Athletic Club in Guwahati. A barefooted player, he led the Indian football team at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London as captain of the first national team after independence. One of the stalwarts of Indian football, five decades ago, Ao represented Mohun Bagan from 1943-1952 and was captain of the club for two years.
Well known for his sportsmanship, it was evident in the 1950 Durand Cup final between Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad Police. In a classic Durand final, Bagan led their opponents 2-0 when midway through the second half, their goalkeeper K. Datta was injured and carried off. In those days substitutions were not allowed. Ao who was playing as one of the half backs at once changed his jersey and played in Dutta's place. He performed heroically even though Hyderabad City Police drew 2-2 and went on to win the replay 1-0.
After his retirement from football Ao studied medicine at the RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. A skilled doctor, he rose to become director of Nagaland Health Service. Ao retired from this position in 1978 and devoted his time to promotion of sports in North-East India. He received the Mohun Bagan Ratna award, given by the club to its most celebrated former players.
In 1998, Ao died on in the Kohima district of Nagaland at the age of 80. Paying tributes to Ao, another stalwart of a bygone era, Sailen Manna said, "Ao was a hardworking player with a superb sense of timing in his tackles and a great team-man." The main stadium in Guwahati is named after him [1].
