Kohima, December 18 (MExN): A lecture on Dr. Talimeren Ao in commemoration of his 100th Birth Anniversary was held at Forest Colony Community Hall, Kohima on December 18. The programme was organised by the Department of Youth Resource & Sports in collaboration with the Department of Information and Public Relations Government of Nagaland.
Giving a brief introduction on Dr. T. AO, Youth Resource & Sports Officer (DYRSO) Chubarenla Longchari highlighted that Dr. T. Ao captained the first free Indian football team to the 1948 London Olympics. He was the Flag Bearer of the Indian contingents at the Wimbley Stadium, London during the opening ceremony of the Olympics on 29th July, 1948.
She said that at a press conference in London, the Indian were asked why they played bare footed, where Dr. Ao replied “we play football in India, whereas you play bootball”, the British were impressed by the barefooted Indian footballers, which splashed in the newspapers of London in the next day.
Chubarenla pointed out that Dr. T. Ao displayed a strong inclination towards sports and athletic activities.
Dr. T. Ao passed away after a brief illness on 13th September 1998, leaving behind a legacy of laudable achievements. He occupied a special place in the arena of sports and games, particularly football, not only in Nagaland but in the whole country.
The District Sports Officer also highlighted the activities carried out as part of the year long centenary celebration of Dr. T. Ao and thanked the District Public Relations Officer and her staff for screening the documentary of Dr. T. Ao and the youths of Forest colony and Mewibogei for participating in the programme. The District Youth Resource & Sports Officer also presented a pair of footballs to the youths during the programme.
