Hyderabad: Afzal, Mahmood remembered by football fraternity

The Hyderabad football community paid rich tributes to D M K Afzal and Syed Mahmood Ali. The remembrance meet highlighted Afzal’s role in India’s 1962 Asian Games win and his legacy as a mentor, guided by coach S A Rahim.

Hyderabad: Football fraternity led by former India captain Victor Amalraj, Telangana Football Association Secretary G Palguna recalled the services of late DMK. Afzal, who was a member of the 1962 Asian Games gold medal-winning team and Syed Mahmood Ali, former State footballer who played for the renowned Mohammedan Sporting Club, Kolkata.

Afzal, who passed away in May this year, was one of the many gifted players nurtured by the legendary coach S A Rahim. Rahim played a pivotal role during Indian football’s golden era, including the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where five Hyderabad-based players were part of the national squad.

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Afzal was also a member of the then united Andhra Pradesh which won the prestigious National Championship for Santosh Trophy, Durand Cup and Rovers Cup.

Mohammed Muzzafar Ali, Corporator of Shalibanda, Habib Khan, GP Vijay Kumar, Chandu and Venkatesh Reddy were among those who attended.

The meeting was organised by Laiquddin Khan, Vice President of CCOB Football Club, Hyderabad.

The legacy of both D.M.K Afzal and Syed Mahmood Ali will continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike.

Amalraj said Afzal ‘Saab’ was a true gentleman player who was not only an outstanding footballer but also one who went out of the way to promote young talent.

“We were fortunate to grow up watching someone like him,” Amalraj said.