DOHA: The story of Mohammedan Sporting has been one of tragedy and disillusionment. Despite enjoying a massive support base across the country and abroad, the club has touched its nadir in the last 25 years with several politicians and ministers trying to rein it in; mostly for personal gains — to woo Muslim voters.
Until the end of 1980s, the club did well at the national level with generous contributions from the Muslim communities. That changed after a local henchman from central Kolkata took over in mid-1980s.
What followed was a reign of terror and muscle power.
Chima Okorie, a popular Nigerian striker in the 1980s and 1990s, was physically assaulted by the henchman-turned-club administrator.
That ‘sole incident’ changed everything.
The incident damaged the club’s reputation among players, with stories about the treatment of footballers spreading within the football community.
Top players feared to sign for the club.
Even today, some former players have distanced themselves from the club as they felt the previous committees have sold the soul of the club to a few politicians, who have no business in football or sport.
Mohammedan Sporting Club has never lacked support.
The club has a rich heritage.
A club born in 1891 is now struggling to stay afloat in the choppy waters of Indian football.
