Mohammedan Sporting Club
Black Panthers Are Coming
History in Brief
The soccer history of India is replete with the tales of “The Big Three” Clubs of Calcutta, or rather of India. These three Clubs are Mohun Bagan AC, Mohammedan Sporting Club and East Bengal. Of these three Clubs, Mohun Bagan earned the distinction of being the first Indian team to lift the IFA Shield by defeating an English football team, the East York Regiment by 2-1 in 1911. No doubt, a very laudable achievement and at least this victory provided the Indian people something to cheer about.
But the joy proved to be ephemeral. The cheer died down very soon and the Indian nationalists relapsed into slumber. After about two decades, a new spectre arose and began to haunt the British in the sports arena and haunted them continuously for about eight years from 1934 to 1941 (if we take into accounts the B.F.A League Championship of Mohammedan Sporting in 1939). That spectre was that of Mohammedan Sporting Club which created a history by becoming the First Indian Club to win the Calcutta Football League continuously for 5 yrs from 1934 to 1938. Then again the team won in 1940 and 1941 with the IFA Shield Championship. It was also the first to smash the monopoly of the British regimental football teams in 1940 in the Durand Cup, the oldest football tournament in India. Mohammedan Sporting is the first club in India to introduce modern age, by wearing boots, and thus the advantage of the british teams gone. This technique helps the club to touch the sky by winning League for 5 times in a row .The club became the only Second Indian Football team after Bangalore Muslim Club to win the Rover’s Cup (Bombay) in 1940. It became the first Indian team to win the Du Mont Morency Cup (Lahore) in 1939.
History in Details
"Veni, Vidi, Vici" or " I came, I saw, I conquered" is a famous Latin phrase spoken by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar in 47 B.C. Similary . this phrase can be aptly used in rising of the Mohammedan Sporting Club in Calcutta Football.Mohun Bagan tried to win the Prestigious "Calcutta League" for 18 years, East Bengal also craved for it for 9 long years. But all their efforts turned into dust everytimes at the end of the season.They could not break the monopoly of British non-regimental teams like "Calcutta Club" or "Dalhousie"or other regimental British teams . The best they could to get a "Runnes Up" place. Only dissapointment had been restored to the Indians. At this critical juncture Mohammedan Sporting Club got the opportunity to play in the First Division of "Calcutta League" in 1934.With the help of great strength and iron determination like warriors, they stormed into the areana of Calcutta Football. They uprooted all the obstacles in their way . Only win could stop this run. And they created history , the "First Indian Club " to win the "Calcutta League". They beat "Dalhousie" by 3 points in the league.Like a dream this run extends to the next four seasons and bagged all total 5 League Championship between 1934 to 1939!!!!!!!!!!!! It seemd that there were no football team other than Mohammedan Sporting Club.However, Mohun Bagan won the league in 1939. But Mohammedan Sporting did not play that league due to skirmish with IFA.
MSC won the IFA Shield for the first time after MB as an Indian Club in 1936 by beating "Calcutta Club" 2-1. The goal scores were Rashid (Junior) and Rahim.
MSC won the IFA Shield for the first time after MB as an Indian Club in 1936 by beating "Calcutta Club" 2-1. The goal scores were Rashid (Junior) and Rahim.
One of the features of Islamic Culture is to have faith in religion(Islam). Therefore ,the Muslim community in Calcutta set up a new team to play fotball even before setting up of Mohun Bagan or Aryans.They founded "Jubilee Club"in 1887 under the leadeship of Nawbab Aminul Islam. Then this name was changed into "Crescent Club". Cresect club's name again changed into "Hamidia Club" . Finally this "Hamidia Club" came to be known as "Mohamedan Sporting Club" in 1891.
At the start ,the financial condition of the club was poor.The elite Muslims patronised the "Muslim Institute" rather.MSC reamained in the darkness of poverty for a long time .They played 2 or 3 friendly matches and barely existed at the ground of Sealdah Kaiser Street.But Mohammedan Club represented common Muslims, the poor Muslims at that time.At the end of the 19 th Century MSC went on to play in "Trades Cup" , but lost the match against "Hastings"
But in the begining of 20th Century , Mohammedan Sporting Club got the fortune.They acquired C.B.S school ground in "Maidan" with the help of Sayeed Anees Hossain Khan.Before 1930 ,MSC won "Koochbehar Cup" in 1902 ,1906, 1909.Later in 1947 and 1952 it also won this cup.In the 30's Former Hockey captain of this club S.A .Aziz took the responsibility of the club . He was a shrewd person.He knew that if MSC has to hold his position in the future ,it needed the common muslims support.Success in the football can get this.
At the start ,the financial condition of the club was poor.The elite Muslims patronised the "Muslim Institute" rather.MSC reamained in the darkness of poverty for a long time .They played 2 or 3 friendly matches and barely existed at the ground of Sealdah Kaiser Street.But Mohammedan Club represented common Muslims, the poor Muslims at that time.At the end of the 19 th Century MSC went on to play in "Trades Cup" , but lost the match against "Hastings"
But in the begining of 20th Century , Mohammedan Sporting Club got the fortune.They acquired C.B.S school ground in "Maidan" with the help of Sayeed Anees Hossain Khan.Before 1930 ,MSC won "Koochbehar Cup" in 1902 ,1906, 1909.Later in 1947 and 1952 it also won this cup.In the 30's Former Hockey captain of this club S.A .Aziz took the responsibility of the club . He was a shrewd person.He knew that if MSC has to hold his position in the future ,it needed the common muslims support.Success in the football can get this.
As a result MSC got the 4 th position in Second Division League,after East Bengal, E.B.R, Loyal Regiment.Next year they included the discarded Mohun Bagan playe Kale Khan and Hafiz Rashid.Aziz had great insight in football and high ambition.He appealed the players across India in the name of Islam, and this trick became hit.Most of the players came fom Bangalore.Anwar of Quetta got the captaincy.Jumma khan came from the Front.From Bangaloe came Musha, Mohiuddin, and Rahamat (He was called "Magician" in the field). Aaqil Ahmed came from KalighatClub.Uncomparable Samad came from Rail.Now the adventure started.
MSC beat Dalhousie by 4 goals ,also derailed "Calcutta Club" by 3 goals but lost the match against East Bengal by 1-2 and drew with Mohun Bagan 1-1. Gradually Muslim people came into the ground to see MSC playing.In the second leg they beat East Bengal by 4-2,in the second half of this match MSC used the boot to counter rain-soaked ground. It is remarkable that MSC was the first Indian Club to use Boots.
MSC beat Dalhousie by 4 goals ,also derailed "Calcutta Club" by 3 goals but lost the match against East Bengal by 1-2 and drew with Mohun Bagan 1-1. Gradually Muslim people came into the ground to see MSC playing.In the second leg they beat East Bengal by 4-2,in the second half of this match MSC used the boot to counter rain-soaked ground. It is remarkable that MSC was the first Indian Club to use Boots.
At the end of the league Mohammedan Sporting became first Indian club to win it ,by taking 27 points out of 20 matches, 3 points clear from Dalhousie and Mohun Bagan.MB won the shield in 1911 ,during the next 30 years Indian Football has to endure the dominance of British Club.But MSC broke this tradition in its first appearence in the laeague!!!!!!!!!!!
As the Muslims lived a down-trodden life, they atleast got something to cheer . They had now Mohammedan Sporting Club. Crowds poured into the tent and ground to watch them playing. MSC gradually became common Muslims aspirations.From then MSC represents not only the Bengal Muslims but also Muslims of India .Muslims across the country supported this club , it had got a huge popularity. MSC created an integrarion among Muslims.MSC became the entity against British oppression.The supporters of MSC sang "Mohammedan Sporting tumko lakho lakho salam,humlog desh ka badsha hua ,aur sab hain gulam"
As the Muslims lived a down-trodden life, they atleast got something to cheer . They had now Mohammedan Sporting Club. Crowds poured into the tent and ground to watch them playing. MSC gradually became common Muslims aspirations.From then MSC represents not only the Bengal Muslims but also Muslims of India .Muslims across the country supported this club , it had got a huge popularity. MSC created an integrarion among Muslims.MSC became the entity against British oppression.The supporters of MSC sang "Mohammedan Sporting tumko lakho lakho salam,humlog desh ka badsha hua ,aur sab hain gulam"
After this success now the Elite muslims came into football club. The mebers of MSC had been greatly increased.In 1901 ,the income of the club was Rs.80, now it reaches more than 1 lakh. In 1935 Rahim came from Vizag , he played for the replacement of Habib as the latter got injured.Rahim caught the attention of the public in his first appearence.And eventually MSC lifted the league for the Second time by defeating East Bengal 1-0.
In 1936 , MSC had the chance of winning the league for straight 3 in a row. They gathered Osman, the goal keeper from Delhi, besides Noor Mohammed, Nasim , Salim.This year they also became the league champion , with 2 points clear from Runners Up "Black Watch".MSC also won the IFA shield this year by beating Calcutta 2-1 , goal scorers for MSC were Rashid (Junior) and Rahim.
In 1937 MSC again took the league with 6 points clear from East Bengal.MSC recorded 5 th league tiltle in a row after beating "Customs" 1-0. This was the biggest achievement of any Indian Football Club so far. This kind of dominance was never seen before in any sports.
In 1939, MSC along with E.B and Kalighat left IFA and formed BFA. Taking this opportunity MB won the league in 1939. But MSC again reinstated in 1940 and 1941 , by beating MB and EB respectively. Now they got the league 8 th times in 9 years !!!
In 1936 , MSC had the chance of winning the league for straight 3 in a row. They gathered Osman, the goal keeper from Delhi, besides Noor Mohammed, Nasim , Salim.This year they also became the league champion , with 2 points clear from Runners Up "Black Watch".MSC also won the IFA shield this year by beating Calcutta 2-1 , goal scorers for MSC were Rashid (Junior) and Rahim.
In 1937 MSC again took the league with 6 points clear from East Bengal.MSC recorded 5 th league tiltle in a row after beating "Customs" 1-0. This was the biggest achievement of any Indian Football Club so far. This kind of dominance was never seen before in any sports.
In 1939, MSC along with E.B and Kalighat left IFA and formed BFA. Taking this opportunity MB won the league in 1939. But MSC again reinstated in 1940 and 1941 , by beating MB and EB respectively. Now they got the league 8 th times in 9 years !!!
Durand Cup is the oldest football tournament in India and 3rd oldest football tournament in the world, only the English FA-Cup and the Scottish FA-Cup are older than it.
The Durand Football Tournament was started by Sir Mortimer Durand at Shimla in 1888. In 1940 the venue was shifted to New Delhi.Mohammedan Sporting Club had the distinction of winning Durand Cup as the First Indian Club . MSC beats Royal Warwickshire Regiment 2-1.MSC also won the Rovers Cup in 1940.MSC won the IFA Shield in 1941 by beating "K.O.S.B" 2-0. Rashid and Sabu were goal scorers from MSC. in 1942 Mohammedan Sporting lifted IFA Shield for the third time after beating East Bengal 1-0 in the final . The winning goal came from Noor Mohammed (Senior).
The "Golden" players of this "Golden Era" of MSC were:- Osman, Goal Keeper, Jumma Khan (The Chinese Wall of Mohammedan Sporting Club) and Taj Mohammed in the back, Nasim, Noor Mohammed, Sabu, Mohiuddin, Masum,Aaqeel ali were first class players.Noor and Aaqeel were the best centre- half in Calcuttta Football.And in the strike zone there were Rahamat, Rahim, and Rashid , Samad , Noor Mohammed (Junior), Abbas, Rashid (Junior),Rahim and at the last but not least Bachhi Khan.
The Durand Football Tournament was started by Sir Mortimer Durand at Shimla in 1888. In 1940 the venue was shifted to New Delhi.Mohammedan Sporting Club had the distinction of winning Durand Cup as the First Indian Club . MSC beats Royal Warwickshire Regiment 2-1.MSC also won the Rovers Cup in 1940.MSC won the IFA Shield in 1941 by beating "K.O.S.B" 2-0. Rashid and Sabu were goal scorers from MSC. in 1942 Mohammedan Sporting lifted IFA Shield for the third time after beating East Bengal 1-0 in the final . The winning goal came from Noor Mohammed (Senior).
The "Golden" players of this "Golden Era" of MSC were:- Osman, Goal Keeper, Jumma Khan (The Chinese Wall of Mohammedan Sporting Club) and Taj Mohammed in the back, Nasim, Noor Mohammed, Sabu, Mohiuddin, Masum,Aaqeel ali were first class players.Noor and Aaqeel were the best centre- half in Calcuttta Football.And in the strike zone there were Rahamat, Rahim, and Rashid , Samad , Noor Mohammed (Junior), Abbas, Rashid (Junior),Rahim and at the last but not least Bachhi Khan.
In the 5 th decade of the 20 th century , Mohammedan Sporting Club started the campaign with a bunch of valuable players like -Olympian Latif, Salim, Aziz, Nizamuddin, Babu jaan,Babu, Raman, Masud Fakri, Niyaz Ali, Aabid , Azam Jaan, Moin, Musa ,Omar , Salauddin, ,Mohammed Ali, Rahamatulla, Fazlur Rahaman (G.K) and Ilyas(G.K).In 1956 MSC went on to win the "Rovers Cup" for the second time MSC beats MB 3-1 in the final.This Rovers Cup win paved the way again to get back those Golden Era.In 1957 ,MSC bagged the "Double" by winning both the League and IFA Shield. In the league ,MSCdefeated EB by a point and defeated Railway Sports 3-0 in IFA Shield Final. The Goal scorers from MSC were Sayeed Ahmed (2) and Omar.They also won the "Haren Mukhejee Shield" by defeating M.B 1-0 . The goal scorer was Omar. The team plarers were:- Abdulla(G.K),Mushtaq Ahmed, Salam in the back. Moin and Ahmed Hossain ,Rahamat Ali in the Half-back, Sayeed Ahmed ,Rahamatuall,Omar ,Yamani,and Saluddin. In the 5 th decade MSC was greatly served by Abdulla, Ahmed,Akhta,Bali, Rameswar, Babu ,Raman and Balan.
The next success came after exact 10 years later.Mohammedan Sporting Club won the Calcutta League in 1967 without losing a single match!They were the unbeaten champion and registered their10 th league title.MSC's centre forward Papnna scored 19 goals to become the highest goal scorer in that season.The captain of the team was stopper John.
In the 6 th decade ,the well known players of MSC were:- Thangaraj, Sakil, Mushtafa, Mushtaq, Ahmed ,Kanaian,J oseph Papanna, Sujat,Altaf, Latif, Ramana,Sardar Khan, Mir Kashim, Sadatulla, Sukumar Sen, and the EB veteran Ahmed Khan.
In 1971 MSC won the IFA Sheild by defeating Tollygunje Agragami 2-0 in the final.The goal scorers were Akbar and Biman Lahiri.MSc won this IFA Shield without conceeding a goal.Goal keeper Zoha was exceptional in the Quarter Final match against Nedarsuchen (West Germany). The MSC team was formed by these players:- Sayeed Zoha (G.K), Montu Karamakar(Bikram Debnath), S.John, Altaf, Sukumar Sen, Anthony Ambrose, Latif,Biman Lahiri, Papanna, Sadatulla and Sardar Khan.
In the 6 th decade ,the well known players of MSC were:- Thangaraj, Sakil, Mushtafa, Mushtaq, Ahmed ,Kanaian,J oseph Papanna, Sujat,Altaf, Latif, Ramana,Sardar Khan, Mir Kashim, Sadatulla, Sukumar Sen, and the EB veteran Ahmed Khan.
In 1971 MSC won the IFA Sheild by defeating Tollygunje Agragami 2-0 in the final.The goal scorers were Akbar and Biman Lahiri.MSc won this IFA Shield without conceeding a goal.Goal keeper Zoha was exceptional in the Quarter Final match against Nedarsuchen (West Germany). The MSC team was formed by these players:- Sayeed Zoha (G.K), Montu Karamakar(Bikram Debnath), S.John, Altaf, Sukumar Sen, Anthony Ambrose, Latif,Biman Lahiri, Papanna, Sadatulla and Sardar Khan.
In the 8 th decade ,the success came at the beginning.MSC won the Calcutta League in 1981 with a point clear from MB.MSC was unbeaten champion in this 1981 league. This was the third time in the History of Mohammedan Sporting Club.The 1981 league was remarkable in the sense of contribution of a lot of Hindu Players like :-
Bhaskar Ganguli, Chinmay Chaterjee,Alok Mukhejee,Prasun Banerjee,Prasanta Banejee, Manas Bhattacharya, Bidesh Basu,Gouranga Banejee,Ranjit Mukherjee,Tapan Das, Uttam Majumdar,Kartick Seth,and Shibnath Barui.Before this Samaresh Choudhury and Surajit Sengupta also played.The captain of the team was Moidul Islam.
In 1983 Mohammedan Sporting Club won the Federation Cup for the first time by defeating Mohun Bagan 2-0. In the next year in 1984 MSC won the Federation Cup by defeating East Bengal 1-0. The goal scorer was Jamshed Nasiri.They also won the Nagzi Trophy,Nizam Gold Cup, Rovers Cup. In 1986,a match was postponed due to some reason.The President of MSC wrote a letter to the IFA. IFA thought it was very very objectionable, and it relegated MSC from the 1 st Division to the 2 nd Division of the league!!!!!!!!!!!But MSC answered IFA's hateful behaviour by coming in the next year again in the league and also won the Rovers Cup in 1987.This was the last major tournament won by MSC so far.
Bhaskar Ganguli, Chinmay Chaterjee,Alok Mukhejee,Prasun Banerjee,Prasanta Banejee, Manas Bhattacharya, Bidesh Basu,Gouranga Banejee,Ranjit Mukherjee,Tapan Das, Uttam Majumdar,Kartick Seth,and Shibnath Barui.Before this Samaresh Choudhury and Surajit Sengupta also played.The captain of the team was Moidul Islam.
In 1983 Mohammedan Sporting Club won the Federation Cup for the first time by defeating Mohun Bagan 2-0. In the next year in 1984 MSC won the Federation Cup by defeating East Bengal 1-0. The goal scorer was Jamshed Nasiri.They also won the Nagzi Trophy,Nizam Gold Cup, Rovers Cup. In 1986,a match was postponed due to some reason.The President of MSC wrote a letter to the IFA. IFA thought it was very very objectionable, and it relegated MSC from the 1 st Division to the 2 nd Division of the league!!!!!!!!!!!But MSC answered IFA's hateful behaviour by coming in the next year again in the league and also won the Rovers Cup in 1987.This was the last major tournament won by MSC so far.
The highest goal scorer from Mohammedan Sporting Club in the Calcutta League were:-
Rashid Khan(16) in 1935 Calcutta League.
Rahim(18) in 1938 Calcutta League.
Bechan(21) in 1948 Calcutta League.
Abid Hussein(13) in 1955 Calcutta League.
Abid Hussein(25) in 1956 Calcutta League.
Papanna(20) in 1967 Calcutta League.
Akbar(20) in 1975 Calcutta League.
Latifuddin(22)in 1976 Calcutta League.
Sabbir Ali(12) in 1979 Calcutta League.
Manas Bhattacharya(18) in 1981 Calcutta League.
Sabbir Ali(12) in 1983 Calcutta League.
Chibujor(13) in 1988 Calcutta League.
Rashid Khan(16) in 1935 Calcutta League.
Rahim(18) in 1938 Calcutta League.
Bechan(21) in 1948 Calcutta League.
Abid Hussein(13) in 1955 Calcutta League.
Abid Hussein(25) in 1956 Calcutta League.
Papanna(20) in 1967 Calcutta League.
Akbar(20) in 1975 Calcutta League.
Latifuddin(22)in 1976 Calcutta League.
Sabbir Ali(12) in 1979 Calcutta League.
Manas Bhattacharya(18) in 1981 Calcutta League.
Sabbir Ali(12) in 1983 Calcutta League.
Chibujor(13) in 1988 Calcutta League.
MSC team was coached time to time by these players-Olympian Abdul Sattar,Amal Dutta, Sayeed Nayeemuddin, Tapanjhoyti Mitra , Sankar Banejee, Goutam Sarkar , Krishnendu Roy ,Jamshed Nasiri, Pradeep Banerjee,Mohammed Habib, Biswajit Bhattacharya, Subhash Bhowmick, Shabbir Ali.
And the well known club officials were - Subed Ali, Wachel Molla, Kazi Almas Khan, G.M.Dosani, Justice Masud, Dr,Shoaib Alam, Obaid Ali, Allah saigol, Abdul Aziz, Golam Mushtafa, G.M .Tahe, Israr Ahmed, Erfan Taher, Sk Anwar Ali, Taj Mohammed, Haider Ali Naskar, Suleman Khursid, Tayeeb Ali, Mir Mohammed Omar, Sultan Ahmed. In 1991 ,a grand procession was taken place from Park Circus to Club tent to celebrate MSC's 100th years foundation .
And the well known club officials were - Subed Ali, Wachel Molla, Kazi Almas Khan, G.M.Dosani, Justice Masud, Dr,Shoaib Alam, Obaid Ali, Allah saigol, Abdul Aziz, Golam Mushtafa, G.M .Tahe, Israr Ahmed, Erfan Taher, Sk Anwar Ali, Taj Mohammed, Haider Ali Naskar, Suleman Khursid, Tayeeb Ali, Mir Mohammed Omar, Sultan Ahmed. In 1991 ,a grand procession was taken place from Park Circus to Club tent to celebrate MSC's 100th years foundation .
The News From "The Statesman" after MSC winning the League for the First Time as an Indian Club in 1934.
MSC on the way to the League championship after defeating Mohun Bagan 2-0 in1940 (The Statesman)
MSC on the way to the league championship after defeating MB in the First match of the League in 1957.( The Dainik Jugantor)
MSC won the league after 9 years by defeating Wari in 1957.
(The Hindustan Standard)
