HYDERABAD (India): Calcutta-based sports marketing and management company Al Riyada has come up with a unique concept to save Hyderabad football’s legacy.
Titled ‘The Nizams of Indian Football’, the programme, which was held here on Monday at the Quality Inn (Nampally), highlighted the legacy of Hyderabad football and its heroes.
Several top Hyderabadi stars of the past including former India captains Shabbir Ali and Victor Amalraj, Mohammed Farid, Telengana Football Association secretary GP Palguna and former Railways and Andhra Pradesh defender Aleem Khan were present on the occasion.
“One of the company’s vision is to save the legacy of Hyderabad football. It has had a huge contribution to Indian football. That’s why we decided to raise an awareness of the Hyderabad football’s glorious past,” said Riyada’s Doha-based Founder-Director Mohammad Amin.
A New Year calendar featuring several top Hyderabadi stars including the legendary coach Syed Abdul Rahim was also launched.
“Such efforts are always welcome. Riyada has done a commendable work to revive Hyderabad football. There’s always the first step,” said Victor, who had played in all three Kolkata clubs from 1978 to 1990.
Struggling to revive lost glory
With a lack of grassroot programmes and support from the state government, Hyderabad is struggling to revive its lost glory.
“Our agenda is to keep alive Hyderabad football legacy through events and grass root programmes,” said Riyada’s India Operations Head and Director Mohammad Abidul Islam.
With 14 Olympians and 21 international footballers, Hyderabad still sits atop of the list when it comes to producing international athletes in a single sport.
“Tournaments is the need of the hour besides the right exposure and direction, but the government sectors must create more jobs for the footballers,” said Ali, who’s also a Dhyanchand Awardee for his contribution to Indian football.
ISL and Hyderabad FC
Indian Super League’s brand new franchise Hyderabad FC has shown some promise in reviving the football culture that once defined the city.
But still Hyderabad’s representation in the national squads is almost negligible.
“Lack of dedication is a big issue here. I’ve seen how Fairdbhai used to spend hours on the field. Such focus is missing nowadays among the current crop of players. TFA is trying its level best to increase activities at the grassroot level, but we need support from the state government to boost our efforts,” said Palguna.
On Riyada’s future projects in Hyderabad, Amin said, “We’re looking at several options. We will come out with a concrete plan soon.”
