Indian football had never before experienced such a disastrous Independence Day as it did in 1971. As the nation celebrated its twenty fifth Independence Day, Indian soccer hit its lowest ebb in Kuala Lumpur.
In the concluding crew league fit of the 1971 Merdeka event on August 15, India, led through Chandreshwar Prasad, suffered a 9-1 defeat towards Burma (now Myanmar) which startled the whole the football fraternity. Till date, it is India’s worst ever loss towards an Asian team.
The Ministry of Education in Delhi (now HRD), took serious observe of the drubbing and directed the All India Football Federation to right now launch an enquiry.
In Kolkata, in the governing physique meeting of the country association (IFA), the individuals precipitated disruption and demanded an rationalization from AIFF president M Dutta Ray. He was, however, intelligent adequate to omit the meeting.
But then, the story doesn’t cease here. It is not basically a story of disaster, however also about a splendid comeback that has been forgotten over the years. In less than two weeks after that humiliation on overseas land, the Indian team bounced returned and together lifted the eight-nation Pesta Sukan invitation tournament in Singapore.
East Bengal right winger Swapan Sengupta was a phase of the group and performed an vital role in India’s triumph. Never again after this used to be he selected for India, however he nonetheless cherishes the moment of victory. Incidentally, it used to be India’s ultimate global trophy in the true feel in the 20th century.
“I was a new youngster. But midway via the 1971 Merdeka, it turned out to be a nightmare. Several pinnacle players acquired injured. We had already lost the hazard to qualify for the semi-finals, but the 9-1 defeat against Burma was too much,” recalled Sengupta.
With information coming from India about the uproar the defeat had created, the crew felt like a bunch of condemned men. There have been even recommendations about skipping the Pesta Sukan meet and the two coaches, PK Banerjee and GMH Basha, nearly agreed to it.
Key ahead Subash Bhowmick, who made a roaring begin in Merdeka with a hat-trick in opposition to the Philippines but was once injured after the second match, stated some of the footballers vehemently opposed the thought of returning home.