Tulsidas Balaram: Tulsidas Balaram, one of the legendary Indian footballers, passed away at the age of 87 in Kolkata due to multiple organ failure. Balaram, who played in two Olympics in 1956 and 1960 and won the Asian Games gold in Jakarta, scored 131 goals, including 14 for India, across seven seasons. Known for his fascinating ball control, dribbling, sense of passing, insatiable appetite for forming the attack, and versatility, Balaram had the uncanny ability to adapt to different positions. He was renowned for playing in the Hyderabadi style of one-touch football, which used to hail the player who could create an attack and set up his teammates for goals.
The Early Years and Career
Balaram was born in Ammuguda village in the garrison town of Secunderabad on October 4, 1936, to Tamil parents – Muthamma and Tulsidas Kalidas. He was scouted by a Railwayman called Dhanakoti from the Lallaguda workshop ground, the venue for the Secunderabad league, for a local match between Civilians and Army XI. He devoted himself to football, much to his mother’s annoyance. His career was acutely brief, spanning eight years between 1955 and 1963, and was cut short by tuberculosis at 27. Balaram, who learned football wearing heavy leather military boots in his village, could accelerate, decelerate, or pivot in a flash.
The Finest Moment in International Football
Balaram played in the Rome Olympics, where he scored twice against Hungary and Peru. His best moment in international football was at the 1962 Asian Games gold in Jakarta, beating South Korea 2-1. Balaram knew how to pick a ball for the benefit of the team. He played in the Hyderabadi style of one-touch football, which used to hail the player who could create an attack and set up his teammates for goals.
The Move to Kolkata
Balaram decided to play in Kolkata in 1957, and after being impressed by the city’s boisterous football culture, he attended a national camp for the Far East Tour. He played for East Bengal, and his goal against Kidderpore in only his second match for the club is legendary. He was renowned for his versatility, and his career was cut short by tuberculosis at 27.
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