Remembering the legendary Gostha Pal on his 129th birth anniversary (20 August 1896 – 8 April 1976)

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Gostha Behari Pal, or simply Gostha Pal, also known as the “Great Wall of China” was a legendary Indian footballer who played a significant role in popularizing football in India during the early 20th century. His association with Mohun Bagan AC was the most significant phase of his football career, where he played for nearly two decades. He also took part in club’s cricket, hockey and tennis.

Key Achievements with Mohun Bagan:

  • Captaincy: He was appointed the captain of Mohun Bagan in 1921 and held the position for six consecutive years, leading the team to the finals of the Rovers Cup in 1923, being the first Indian side to achieve the feat. He led Mohun Bagan to the finals of the India Football Association Shield too for the second time in the same year.
  • Impact: Gostha Pal played barefooted throughout his entire career and that too in the British colonial era. Such a gutsy and robust defender was he on the pitch, that even all the booted British regimented teams, as well as, the foreign visiting teams found him the toughest nut to crack. Off the pitch, he was the guardian to his younger teammates and players of the new generation. He became a prominent face of the Indian freedom movement against the tyrant British through his sporting prowess. His dedication and passion towards Mohun Bagan was just unparalleled. He was associated with several activities of the club till his last day.

Legacy:

  • Padma Shri: Pal was awarded the Padma Shri in 1962, becoming the first footballer in India to receive the honour.
  • Postage Stamp: A postage stamp was dedicated to him by India Post in 1998, recognizing his contributions to Indian football.
  • Statue: A life-size statue of Pal was erected at Kolkata Maidan in 1984, opposite Eden Gardens, to honour his legacy.
  • Mohun Bagan Ratna: He was posthumously awarded the prestigious Mohun Bagan Ratna in 2004, the club’s accolade of highest order.
  • The main road where our maidan club tent of Mohun Bagan AC and the main entrance of the Eden Gardens are located is also named after him as Gostha Pal Sarani.
  • Gostha Pal is still revered as a football icon in India, and his towering legacy continues to inspire aspiring footballers.