TW. This post is not about leadership or business or executive search or career development.
As someone who grew up amongst people who played and followed sports with a more than passing interest, a story about the latter comes to mind almost every FIFA World Cup. While many cricket fans would travel around 24 hours by train to Kolkata from Assam to watch live Test matches at the famous Eden Gardens, the football aficionados of North East India were something else.
Football is a sport where fans celebrate in myriad and sometimes strange ways. Ranging from rowing imaginary boats to open top bus parades to overnight painting of murals to screaming at earth shattering decibels in pubs and parks to some despicable ones vandalising public and private property. And of course, some contrastingly clean up stadiums, irrespective of whether their team won or lost. Arguably, the love for the beautiful game in Meghalaya state surpassed them all, at least in the late seventies and early eighties, albeit not at a country or collective level.
At that time, there was no television in the region, forget colour television, with the latter becoming available only in 1982 coinciding with the Asian Games hosted in New Delhi. Some enthusiastic fans from Shillong would travel to Dawki, a small town located at the Indo-Bangladesh border, despite the 230 km return journey, which could be anywhere between 5-7 hours one way, being treacherous and uncomfortable for many stretches. Especially in the inclement July monsoon. And then cross over international lines and go on to watch the final match in Bangladesh, which had colour transmission facilities. Not live on a playground, not at a huge fan park, but probably at best on a bulbous 21-inch CRT TV set, decades before flat screens were developed. No one would have dared to term it the idiot box then, given the excitement, import and sanctity of the occasion. Call it obsession, call it madness, someone may call it drive, pun completely intended, but it was probably just love and jugaad (Indian term for innovation, usually born out of scarcity).
For those who follow sports, especially football diehards, and lament over the game’s state in our country, a bit of trivia. Late Dr. Talimeren Ao of Nagaland was the Indian captain in the 1948 London Olympics, where the team famously played without boots. He was also offered a contract by Arsenal Football Club but declined it to keep his word to his father to serve the people of India as a doctor in public health, a role he performed admirably till his retirement. Were it not for financial constraints due to the very long travel involved, India would have taken part in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. And possibly in the current 2026 one too? Fingers crossed for the 2030 edition.
Diganta Barua, executive search consultant, Mumbai. Fervid football fan. www.credenceconsulting.com www.linkedin.com/in/digantabarua
So well expressed. Captured the moments completely. Matchless!
Tx, Sumant.
Diganta so well articulated the yearning and love of one of the joys of life.
The fervour of FIFA and the WCup will abate but the passion continues through the people who live mundane lives but derive joy through their expression like yourself
Thank you for sharing
Thanks, Marcel. Football is indeed a joy.
Thoroughly enjoyed this.
The Dawki story was completely new to me and instantly transported me to another era. It’s amazing how love for a sport could inspire such effort. Stories like these remind us that some experiences are worth every mile. Beautifully narrated.
Thanks Vinita. People do interesting things, don’t they?
Superb! Loved it. Especially the trivia at the end!!!
🙂
Wonderful read. Brought back those days when we lived for football and a ball was being kicked at every moment of the day. 😁
Yes, Mrinal. You were good at the sport.
Excellent!
Tx, Pritom. We enjoyed the Viking rowing chant and celebration.You need to teach us that.
Born in another football crazy state of Kerala, where I am currently vacationing, can relate to your post. As I go from town to town here, seeing the huge billboards displaying teams from Argentina, Brazil, France, and even England, I fail to fathom how a sport where India is nowhere in the top 100 can have such a fan following.
India has 300 million football fans, Keralites at the top. Apparently they are selling lungis with the Argentina colours!
Totally agree. The Indian spirit is unmatched
Where there is a ball, there is a a way 😉
Digy, nicely written. Write more. 🙂
Tx, Sampy.
Lovely Diganta. You have a great way with words…btw why is the author anon? Keep writing my friend
Thanks Umesh, encouraged by your belief.
Your valuable suggestion has been addressed.
Really interesting and very well written, Diganta!
Thanks, Himani!
Very well written….mentioning all small joys of life…Live Life King Size Cheers
This article brought fond memories of my dad. He used to stand and watch the football games on the fire brigade grounds till the game ended! Very passionate about football.
In 1986 we watched how Maradona gave the goal but couldn’t tell if it was the hand of God or a kick. Much later it became apparent.
Anyways, very well written and at an apt time Diganta
Lovely to know that about your dad, Sandeep. Bengalis have been devoted to football like no other.
Diganta:
This came right from the heart. This is so authentic and you are so articulate. Loved your writing.
Thank you Professor. I remember your footballing prowess on campus.
Excellent Diganta ……you put it across so well.
Very well written, Diganta! It is true, the love for football is like none other in Meghalaya. The present govt, in fitness of things, is coming up with the largest football stadium yet in the state, with a capacity of 40K at Mawkhanu, New Shillong.
That is lovely to know, Rahul.
Lovely article …so well articulated