Boots and Bandages: The Remarkable Life of Dr. Talimeren Ao

To all the doctors out there who are service-minded to cater the healthcare needs of every patients, we extend our deepest gratitude on Doctor’s Day. At first look the world of medicine and the world of football might be different, however, there exist many similarities. Both fields require a lot of training, immense discipline, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Today, we celebrate Dr. Talimeren Ao, a legend who embodied this unique confluence, excelling as a footballer and a doctor.

Born in 1918 in the Naga Hills of India, Talimeren Ao’s life unfolded against a burgeoning passion for football. As a young boy in Changki village, he displayed a natural talent for the sport. When he was a toddler, his family moved to the Impur Mission Compound. Dusty fields were his playgrounds and his football was made of rags. This early love for football developed into a great talent. He was the captain of his school teams, and showcased talent to be noted as the best Footballer in the All Assam Inter School Football Championship in 1937. However, his father, who was associated with the church, wanted him to become a doctor.

While football was his first love, he performed well in other sports and was decent in academics as well. He was an excellent volleyball player and a long jumper. At the age of 15, In 1933, he was sent to study at the Jorhat Mission School. Later, Talimeren enrolled in Cotton College, Guwahati, where he continued to impress on the field, leading his college team to victories in local tournaments. It was here that his footballing journey took a significant turn as he was asked to join the training sessions of Maharana SC, a club that practiced near his college ground. He slowly developed himself as a defender from being a striker.

He reached Kolkata (then Calcutta) after getting admission at the Carmichael Medical College (now known as R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital). He came to know about Mohun Bagan Athletic Club and joined their football team. Mohun Bagan, a powerhouse in Indian football, is where he developed himself as a great player. His defensive prowess and leadership qualities shone through, and he won many laurels for the club.

The Indian football team, after obtaining independence, participated in the 1948 London Olympics. Talimeren Ao, for obvious reasons, was a natural choice for captain. He became the first captain of the Indian football team post-independence and even had the honor of being India’s first flag-bearer at the opening ceremony. His team played extremely well against France, a football powerhouse, giving them a run for their money.

His brilliance on the field caught the attention of international scouts. Reportedly, Arsenal Football Club, the English football titan, approached him with an option to play in their league. Playing for European clubs has always been considered a Holy Grail in the career of any player. But Talimeran, a man of his word, honored his late father’s wish to see him as a doctor. Even though it was a difficult decision, Talimeren turned down the offer from Arsenal and pursued the medical degree.

This decision marked a turning point. Talimeren joined back the medical college. Nevertheless, he maintained his passion for football and continued to play for Mohun Bagan, displaying a remarkable ability to balance his studies with his club commitments. Apparently, Mohun Bagan officials made lucrative offers to keep him in Kolkata after his completion of his degree.

Talimeren finally hung up his boots in 1950. He fulfilled his father’s dream by completing his MBBS degree and became the first person from Nagaland to do so in the process. He embarked on a distinguished career in medicine, specializing in ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat). He worked at the Dibrugarh Medical College & later held the position of the medical superintendent at Kohima Civil Hospital. He was fully devoted to his patients as depicted by the devotion he had towards his football career. He served for almost 25 years as a doctor in Nagaland.

Dr. Ao’s contributions extended beyond the realm of patient care. He actively promoted sports, particularly football, within Nagaland. He established a medical football team and actively participated in local tournaments. He served on the All India Football Selection Committee and became a member of the All India Council of Sports and the Nagaland Sports Council. He even played badminton later in his life, which proves the point of his love for sports.

Dr. Talimeren Ao passed away in 1998, leaving behind a rich legacy. He was revered not only for his medical expertise but also for his exceptional footballing talent and leadership. He remains an inspiration to aspiring athletes and medical professionals alike, proving that dedication and passion can pave the way for success in seemingly different fields. As we celebrate World Doctors’ Day, we pay homage to Dr. Ao, a true legend who left an indelible mark on both the world of football and medicine.

References

Whatsapp Group of Athletic India