JEDDAH: The contributions of former Indian football players, Mohammed Habib and Mohammed Akbar, to the Indian football were recalled at a recent function here organized to felicitate the duo. The function, organized by Indian Youth Welfare Association, was well attended by dignitaries from various walks of life and sports personalities in the Kingdom. Born in Hyderabad in 1949, Habib started playing for professional teams at the age of 15. Habib shot to fame and virtually ruled Indian soccer by being the hot property of Bengal teams for about two decades. The famed trio of East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting clubs dominated Indian football by grabbing the best available talent in the country. And no wonder that Habib began making waves in Calcutta, representing East Bengal in 1966. A humble and skinny Habib belied his physique by making his legs do the talking in his heydays. Habib and his brother Akbar formed a deadly striking duo in Bengal and Indian soccer. Habib becoming a permanent feature of the three famous clubs for nearly two decades speaks volumes of his caliber as a valuable player. Accolades and laurels were aplenty in Habib's soccer career, from the prestigious Santhosh Trophy to Federation Cup titles. He represented and captained India umpteen times (an indelible name on India's team list from 1965-75) but played in Asian Games thrice and won a bronze medal in Bangkok Games in 1970. Habib was honored with Arjuna Award (highest Indian civil award for a sportsman) and is now an observer in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Addressing the gathering Mohammed Habib called upon the young footballers to utilize the good conditions prevailing in Saudi Arabia and develop their talent with dedication and hard work. He offered his services in training the young Indian footballers of Jeddah. Mohammed Akbar urged parents not to insist or force their children to go in for professional courses for good future. He said time have changed and there is plenty of scope and money in sports now. The only thing is that the youngsters should go in for a field based of their interest and play with dedication. He pointed out that when they started their career by playing to professional clubs, they were paid about $50 for the whole season and in the current scenario national league players are being offered millions of rupees. Madan Lal Raigar, Consul (Passport) in the Indian consulate, was the chief guest and presented mementoes to Mohammed Habib and Mohammed Akber. The program was hosted by Surinder Pal Singh, while Ramnarayan Iyer, Chief Patron IYWA, Anees Hyder Zaidi President IYWA, Mir Gazanfar Ali Zaki General Secretary IYWA, Dr. Abdullah Moopan, Chief Patron SIFF, Abdul Rafeeque, President Jeddah Football Club, Masood Ahmed, Principal IISJ, Aijaz Ahmed Khan Vice President JCA & IOC, Dr. Syed Ali Mahmood and Dr. Haroon Sayeed also spoke on the occasion. Muzzammil Hussain, Chief Coordinator IYWA, proposed the vote of thanks.
