New -delhi, October 12 (IANS). The year was 1962, and the place was Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, where the Asian Games were organized. The tension on the field was at its peak. Millions of Indonesian spectators, plunged into the anti-India atmosphere, plunged the Indian team’s every movement. The Indian football team faced South Korea in the final, the biggest game in its history, and his central character was a fearless Sikh player, known for his iron-covered defense on the field. The name was Jarnail Singh Dhillon. Jarnail Singh was regarded by the world as one of the best defenders in Asia, but he did not play as a defender in the final, but as a striker for sustaining a serious head injury while playing in the semi -finals against Vietnam, who needed six stitches. Doctors banned him from playing, but coach SA Rahim played a daring move. Rahim Sahab knew that Jarnail could also be valuable in the attack because of his fearlessness and the skill of the head, provided he had to reduce his run. And then came that magical moment. When the game was at an important time, Jarnail Singh, despite the connection on his head, put the ball with a brilliant head in the net. This goal was not just a point. It was a victory of determination. India won that final match 2-1 and won the gold medal. Jarnail Singh, known for his defensive ability, appeared as the hero of the striker that day. This impassable courage and incomparable performance made him the ‘lion’ of Indian football. Jarnail Singh was born on February 20, 1936 in Faisalabad, the province of Punjab, undivided India (contemporary Pakistan). His early life taught him the first lesson of fearlessness. At the young age of 13, he saw the horrors of the India-Pakistan division in nearby neighborhoods. He once said, “After facing death at the age of 13, I was not afraid of anything in life.” With this spiritual power, Jarnail Singh began his football career of Khalsa College, Mahilpur, Punjab. In 1959 he joined the legendary Calcutta (now Kolkata) club Mohun Bagan. Kolkata football, commonly known as ‘Maidan’, became Jarnail Singh’s birthplace. His power, timely approach and physical skills made him a direct star at the club. He became such an ‘iron wall’ of Mohun Bagan’s defense, which was almost impossible for the opposing strikers to cross. Football lovers of Western Bengals began to call him ‘Lion’ lovingly. Jarnail Singh left his mark on the international stage in the Rome Olympics in 1960. India may not have been very successful in the tournament, but Jarnail Singh’s performance was so excellent that he was considered for inclusion in the ‘World XI’ of that time and that he was considered one of the best backs in the world. He was one of the most important pillars of the ‘Golden Age’ (1950s and 1960s) of Indian football. He was not only a wonderful player, but also a brilliant captain. In 1964, India scored runner -up in the Asian Cup. In this tournament, Jarnail Singh led the defense and inspired the team with its captaincy. From 1965 to 1967 he appointed the Indian national football team and played side by side with legends such as Chunni Goswami. The greatest recognition of his talent came when he was selected as captain of the Asian All-Star football team as captain of two consecutive years (1966 and 1967). He is the only Indian player to receive this honor. In recognition of his career achievements, the Government of India honored him with the Arjuna Award in 1964. Jarnail Singh’s life was a symbol of fearlessness and determination. On the field he was an intimidating force for opponents, but personally he was known to be extremely polite and meek. Jarnail Singh left this world on October 13, 2000, but his name is still included in golden letters in the history of Indian football. -—IANS VKU/DKP
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