GUWAHATI: Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi released a postage stamp as a mark of respect to the legendary footballer Dr. Talimeren Ao on the occasion of his birth centenary year at a function held at Sports Authority of India (SAI) complex playground at Paltan Bazar here on Sunday evening.
It may be noted that Dr. Talimeren Ao, an ace footballer who was born on January 28, 1918 was instrumental in popularizing football in Assam. He was captain of the Indian Football Team in their first official match in 1948 London Olympics.
Paying his rich tributes to this legendary footballer on the centenary celebrations of his birth day today, Governor Prof Mukhi said that Dr. T. Ao was the man behind in promoting and popularising football in India and more particularly in Assam. He also said that besides being a footballer, T. Ao was a doctor by profession who worked as an Assistant Civil Surgeon. Taking a bow of reverence, Prof. Mukhi termed Dr. T. Ao as an extraordinary personality in whom the almighty has intertwined a talented footballer and a genius physician.
He also congratulated SAI for having organised the birth centenary celebrations in the honour of Dr. T. Ao. At the same time the Governor also reiterated his government’s commitment in transforming Guwahati into a sports capital of the country. He also hailed the state government’s efforts in organising international sporting events successfully in Guwahati. He also called upon the younger generation to emulate the sports talents like Dr. T. Ao and bloom their sports acumen inherent in them by using the sports infrastructural facilities available in the state.
Chief Post Master General Arundhuti Ghose, former footballer Gilbertson Sangma, athlete Toybun Nessa, Director Information and Public Relations Rajib Prakash Baruah and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion.