Talimeren Ao was an Indian footballer and physician from Nagaland. He is best known as the captain of the India national football team in their first ever match after independence. One of the most famous Nagas, he was a figurehead of India's football history, and his name is resonant in the collective memory of the people. He played domestic club football for Mohun Bagan.
Talimeren Ao on a 2018 stamp of India
Talimeren Ao (left), leading India out at the Cricklefield Stadium to play against France in 1948
Ao (in right) shaking hands with French captain Gabriel Robert, in 1948 Summer Olympics.
Blue Pilgrims' with the large tifo of Talimeren Ao during India's World Cup qualifying match against Oman at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati, 2020.
Balaidas Chatterjee was an Indian footballer and football manager, who played predominantly as defender. He became the first head coach of the India national team and guided them at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. During his playing days, Chatterjee played for Mohun Bagan in various domestic competitions.
Balaidas Chatterjee (in extreme right) with the Indian team at the 1948 London Olympics