If you are interested in Indian football, I strongly suggest reading Sudipta Biswas’s
When one embarks on the rich tapestry of Indian sports, one will find a captivating narrative woven with charisma and pride, where wealth flows along the avenues of conceit and the vast oceans of attitude. Discussing Indian sports feels like a scholarly journey, akin to pursuing a Ph.D. that may never face its viva voce. Navigating the labyrinth of historical information, it’s paradoxically simpler to unearth data about Indian cricket dating back to 1845 than to delve into the annals of sports such as hockey or football.
The unforgiving nature of this reality is a testament to the challenges enthusiasts and researchers face. In this era, merely contemplating chronicling or conversing about non-cricket sports emerges as a commendable feat, a mountain climbed against the odds. Sudipta Biswas accomplishes that daunting task with unparalleled perfection. For me, hockey transcends beyond a mere sport: my raison d’etre. The researcher in Sudipta Biswas holds football in the same high regard.
Sudipta Biswas has written a captivating biography on Tulsidas Balaram, a well-known football figure who passed on in February of this year. The book seamlessly weaves personal anecdotes with the rich history of Indian football. It is an excellent read for sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking motivation from the triumphs of a footballer who overcame numerous obstacles to become a true hero.
His narrative mastery unveils the compelling tale of Balaram, a football legend whose life transcends the boundaries of mere sportsmanship to embody resilience and unwavering spirit. From the humble hamlet of Ammuguda in Secunderabad, where makeshift goalposts adorn gravelly terrain, Tulasidas Balaram’s extraordinary athleticism and unassailable integrity find eloquent expression in Biswas’s adept storytelling.
Photo courtesy The Khel Times
The biography seamlessly navigates Balaram’s remarkable journey, accentuating his commitment to fair play and respect for adversaries, elevating him from a mere athlete to a pinnacle of moral strength in football. Detailed documentation of Balaram’s stellar performances in international competitions, including the Olympics and Asian Games, offers readers a front-row seat to the magic of his on-field wizardry.
Sudipta’s meticulous research and dedication convey a profound love for the subject, almost as if he had embraced football in carefully crafting his book. The written word, a vessel mirroring the pulsating heartbeat of Indian sports, acquires an emotive resonance, carrying the fervor and essence of a nation’s athletic spirit.
The author carefully navigates the intricacies of Balaram’s partnerships and rivalries with fellow legends like PK Banerjee and Chuni Goswami, capturing the essence of camaraderie and fierce competition that defined Indian football during that era. The biography also pays homage to Balaram’s transformative role in the East Bengal club, highlighting his significant contributions and extraordinary achievement of scoring 102 goals during his tenure.
However, the biography is open to exploring Balaram’s challenges in terms of his career being cut short by tuberculosis and the complexities of navigating the political landscape of football. The book provides a nuanced portrayal of a life marked by triumphs and tribulations, offering readers a holistic understanding of Balaram’s journey. As the biography unfolds Balaram’s layers, it seamlessly weaves his personal story into the broader narrative of Indian football’s evolution. Biswas adds depth and context to the biography by connecting it to the larger canvas of the sport’s growth in the country.
The book’s heart lies in exploring Tulsidas Balaram’s enduring impact as a player and a symbol of unyielding dedication. Biswas’s meticulous attention to detail and sensitivity in capturing Balaram’s journey render the biography an inspiring testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome challenges and leave an indelible mark on the world of sports.
Sudipta Biswas, a sports journalist and the author of Mission Gold: India’s Quest for Olympic Glory, brings his expertise to bear on Balaram’s biography, weaving a narrative that transcends the football field. Beyond the football field, Biswas delves into Balaram’s unique life story, showcasing his passion for exploring India’s Olympic movement. With a strong emphasis on recognizing India’s sporting achievements, Biswas encourages readers, particularly young people, to engage with literature on the history and stories of Indian Olympians. His dedication to highlighting the history of Indian sports shines through in this meticulously crafted biography.
Above all, one thing I like about the author is his understanding of the challenges faced by Indian athletes, particularly in the context of the pandemic. His optimism about India’s performance and his call for increased awareness and support for Olympic sports reflect a deep-rooted belief in the potential of Indian athletes.
As an individual with discerning literary preferences, I need more motivation to draft book critiques. That is primarily due to my highly selective nature when choosing reading material, as the works that truly captivate me are few and far between. What often disheartens me about today’s society, particularly in India, is how sports are viewed as mere financial commodities, devoid of the passion that once fuelled them.
That orientation leads me to ponder who deserves the spotlight in a book review – is it the reviewer, the author, or the person whose story is told in the book? The unequivocal answer lies in the latter – the person the book is centered on. Their story deserves to be celebrated, appreciated, and shared. I sincerely apologize if my previous words came across as self-centered. I intended to highlight the importance of honoring the stories’ essence. I am here today to remember the individuals whose stories inspire us and strive to bring back the enthusiasm that once ignited our passions.
So, if you are interested in Indian football, I strongly suggest reading this book.
