Hat-trick man

By Monojit Mandal

World Cup Football 2018 has been an exciting spectacle as it differs from other times in a significant manner. Not only the finalists of the previous World Cup packed out of the tournament early, but also almost all the powerhouses of football world have gone by now.
On the other hand, Minnows, such as Japan and Russia have enthralled the crowd by their skilful play and ability spring major surprises. On that note it is obvious that we Indians may crave to cheer for our own country on the backdrop of that magnificent arena of football battles.
Definitely our time will come, and it may come sooner. But for now let us dwell back into the well of time and nurture our past glory.
Puran Bahadur Thapa (1928-2014) from Nasapatighari in Upper Mawperm in Shillong is fondly remembered for being the first Indian to score an International hat-trick apart from being a legendary footballer who entertained crowd with his stunning left-footer skill. It is said that his left-footer was so well balanced, powerful and accurate that it left the spectators enthralled in the 1950s.
A versatile player who mostly guarded the centre-midfield during his prime, netted three goals in the Quadrangular football tournament against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in 1954, which helped India win the trophy for three successive years.
In 1955, Thapa was lined up for India against the USSR Services team, which contained legendary players like Boris Tatushin, Igor Netto and Lev Yashin in an international friendly, at the National Stadium in Delhi. Thapa’s dexterous gameplay impressed the Soviet team manager to such extent that he went on to the press box and enquired about him after the match.
While up close in an interview with his family members, The Shillong Times came to know that Puran Bahadur Thapa had a very amicable personality, while at the same time he was a person of discipline which he followed strictly throughout his life.
“I remember my father as a man of discipline and strict principles… Although as host he was very friendly to guests and all others. I still remember how enthusiastic he was with his game of football, though he served in the Army, he would always talk about his skilful moves and tactics against his opponents from those of his playing days,” Said Pratipa Thapa, daughter of Puran Bahadur Thapa.
Puran Bahadur took Army job in 1947 and notwithstanding several offers from major Kolkata football clubs, he preferred the security of the army job over football. He then retired as Lt Colonel after outshining in his ephemeral football armour.
“Father used to tell us that football was totally different during his playing days, back then it was called the ‘W’ format with 5 in the forward, three in the middle, two in defence and one goalkeeper. It was more of a game of “kick and run” while now it applies more scientific approach, and which according to father, kills the limpidness of the game,” Pratipa said.
Puran Bahadur, conversely, missed the opportunities to represent the country in the major international tournament like the Olympics or the Asian Games for a number of reasons. One, it was felt, was that he wanted to serve the country while being in the mount of the army.
“Father never regretted for not playing Olympics or Asian Games as to him either way it was to service the nation,” added Pratipa.
After retirement, Thapa started nurturing local football talents in Shillong and he also holds the merit of being the first coach of Shillong Lajong FC that was earlier known as Lajong Sports and Cultural Club.

(With inputs from
Prasanta Phukon)