India has a number of unsung sports heroes whose accomplishments are still buried and unknown to the general public. For decades, these champions received no recognition from countrymen. Such heroes were unable to secure their position in people’s memories; their accomplishments were limited to the record books. Youths are hardly conscious of their victories on the world stage. Even after 60 years, Indian football has yet to achieve the same success as it did in 1960.

The teaser for Maidaan,” an upcoming biographical sports drama film starring Ajay Devgan as renowned Indian football coach Syad Abdul Rahim, has been released, and people are eager to learn more about him. From 1952 to 1962, Rahim managed the Indian football team, a period regarded as the “golden era of Indian football.”

Following the success of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a biographical sports drama film that made Legendary athlete Milkha Singh a household name, people hope that Rahim Saab and the Indian football team will be given their due respect as Ajay Devgan’s film will do the magic on the silver screen.

Football fan hope this film inspires Indian football players and fan to believe that they, too, can be world beaters like the Indian football team was during their golden period.

The Indian football squad had a lot of success during Rahim’s tenure. Aside from winning the Asian Games in 1951 and 1962, India also advanced to the semi-finals of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, which is still regarded as India’s greatest football accomplishment. Rahim’s most recent triumph came at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, where India claimed gold, defeating South Korea in the finals in front of a crowd of 100,000. During his tenure, he is also noted for developing and nurturing Indian talents such as Peter Thangaraj Chuni Goswami and Jarnail Singh.

While India has a rich heritage in cricket and a glorious past in hockey, football in India has for decades been overshadowed by these two sports. Though Indian Football has yet to achieve a major title to compete with these games, this beautiful game has provided many glorious moments for India, particularly during its golden era from 1950 to 1960.

The year 1962 was a high point for the Indian football team, as it performed admirably despite a hostile host. Ironically, India’s greatest triumph in international football was overshadowed by what was then the worst diplomatic crisis in India-Indonesia relations. Even during the closing ceremony, when the Indian squad entered the stadium for the march past, there was booing.

The Indian football squad is improving, and the relevant authorities are doing their part to promote the sport through the establishment of the Indian Premier League, among other things. And, while FIFA has extended their support to this game, it appears that for the first time, Bolloywood can also play a significant part in increasing public interest in this adventure sport.