Hyderabad: On Tuesday evening, a heartfelt tribute event took place at Nizam Club to remember two of Hyderabad’s football legends, D.M.K. Afzal and Syed Mahboob Ali. Organized by Laiq Ali, the gathering included veteran footballers, sports fans, and past teammates to celebrate the lasting impact of these icons on Indian football.
Former Indian football captain Victor Amalraj praised their contributions, calling them true heroes who brought joy and inspiration to many fans. He emphasized that their legacy continues to motivate the current generation.
G.P. Palguna, Secretary of the Telangana Football Association, acknowledged the importance of their legacy. He mentioned efforts to seek the Chief Minister’s help for supporting former players, but stressed that more needs to be done. The association is raising funds to aid senior players facing financial and health issues.
Dost Mohammed Khan Afzal, affectionately known as D.M.K. Afzal, was part of the Indian team that won gold at the 1962 Asian Games. He was admired for his discipline and passion for football, achieving international success through his dedication.
Syed Mahboob Ali was celebrated for his elegant style on the field. He played for Hyderabad State and later joined the renowned Mohammedan Sporting Club in Kolkata. Amalraj remarked on Ali’s sportsmanship and humility, which earned him respect from everyone.
The event also highlighted concerns about the decline of football in Hyderabad. Veterans noted that a city once producing several national players now lacks representation. A proposal was made to form a committee to revive Hyderabad football’s former glory.
One suggestion was to hold annual five-day tournaments named after legendary city footballers. This would honor their contributions and inspire the youth to engage with football.
Muzaffar Ali, the Corporator of Shah Ali Banda and son of Syed Mahboob Ali, remembered his father as a man of integrity. He noted his father’s dedication to football and his reluctance to seek favors, letting his actions speak for his love of the sport.
The event saw participation from former players, coaches, sports administrators, and football enthusiasts, all committed to continuing Hyderabad’s rich football heritage.
Among the attendees were G.P. Vijayakumar (IRS, Central Excise, Retd.), Habeeb Khan (Mohammedan Sporting), Noor (Railways), Ilyas, Ghouse (DRDL), Kumar (SBH), Chandrashekhar (RTC), Ilyas (SBI), Syed Hasan Raza (Qatar), Venkat Reddy, Syed H. Abedi, M.Z. Khan (Central Excise), Peer Basha, Iather Baba, Arif (SBI), Acharjee, and Syed Ahmed Ziauddin.
