Year-long birth centenary celebration of Dr. T. Ao

Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya on Sunday inaugurated the year-long birth centenary celebration of legendary football icon of India, late Dr. Talimeren Ao, also known as Dr. T. Ao on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary on January 28, at Raj Bhavan, Kohima.
Speaking on the occasion, Acharya described Dr. T. Ao as a man who excelled not only in studies but one also displayed a strong inclination towards sports and athletics activities.
Acharya also highlighted the achievements of late Dr. T. Ao in the field of sports such as the best sportsperson trophy in the inter High school tournament in Jorhat in 1937 and the individual champion of Cotton College for three consecutive years. Also the individual Championship in athletics of Calcutta University in 1946 and 1947, Dr. T. Ao was not only the captain of the Indian football team in the 1948 summer Olympics in London but also the flag bearer of the Indian contingent, he added.
He said his footprints had encouraged and inspired the Naga people and the football lovers. His contributions to the society and country as a footballer and as a doctor are highly commendable, he mentioned.
The Governor also mentioned that in honour of his contributions, the Raj Bhavan has instituted awards in the field of sports, Academics and extracurricular activities in schools, colleges and universities. Stressing on the importance of sports, he felt that the state was in need of infrastructure facilities so as to cater events of both national and international levels.
On the occasion, Acharya also conveyed deep appreciation and love to the family members of late Dr. T. Ao for upholding and encouraging him in his profession.
An exhibition football match between Assam Governor’s XI & Assam Chief minister’s XI would be played at Guwahati to pay tribute to Dr. T. Ao, he added.
Er. Lanu Toy, a friend of Dr. T. Ao, speaking on the occasion expressed great satisfaction to honour and remember the worthy son of Nagaland.
He said no Naga deserved this kind of honour and respect more than Dr. T. Ao. He described him not only as a great sportsperson but also a great person with full of humility.
He was admired by people of all ages and known even to the remotest during the peak of his career. Toy said Dr. T. Ao’s success could be attributed in many ways as his talents and capabilities excelled amongst many, as such he was the undisputed choice to be the captain of the Indian football team in 1948.
He also excelled in other disciplines such as Hockey, volleyball, basketball, table tennis and athletics. He developed the spirit of sportsmanship and showed transparency, responsibility and honesty in his profession, he said. His contributions towards his profession left an indelible mark for the upcoming generation to emulate, he added.
Er. Indianoba Tally, the youngest son of Dr. T.Ao spoke on behalf of the family members expressed gratitude for honouring and remembering Dr. T. Ao on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary. He believed that his father’s stupendous achievements in the field of sports would ignite the minds of young upcoming sportspersons. He described his father as a person who never tried to promote himself rather he left all his achievements to Almighty God.
On behalf of Nagaland Olympics Association, Meren Paul offered a tribute to Dr. T. Ao and conveyed profound homage to Dr. T Ao on the occasion of his birth centenary. He also described him as a person who was not only a legendary footballer in the history of Indian football but also a great physician. He further said that he was more popular in Bengal than in Nagaland.
Youth Resources & Sports secretary, Anenla S. Longchari delivered the welcome address while the vote of thanks was proposed by principal secretary, School Education, F.P Solo. Sr. Pastor, Baptist Mission Church, Kohima, Rev. Moa Longchari invoked God’s blessing.
A special number titled “Jai Ho” was presented by DGP band while medley: Jubilate Deo/ My song was presented by TNCC.
On the occasion, a documentary on Dr. T. Ao was also screened by the Department of Information & Public Relations.
Commemorative stamp released
Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya also released a commemorative stamp on the occasion. The stamp was simultaneously released in Guwahati, to mark the occasion.
The stamp valued at Rs. 5 will be available at the Kohima Head Post Office.
Acharya appreciated the efforts put in by the Post Master General and his team and thanked the department of Post for the initiative taken in such a short time. The Governor also expressed his happiness to note that Assam was celebrating the Birth Centenary to honour late Dr. T. Ao.