Dr. T Ao : His indomitable spirit continues to inspire

Dimapur, Jan. 7 (EMN): Dr. Talimeren Ao, popularly known as Dr. T. Ao was born to Rev. Subongwati Ningdangri and Moasangla Changkilari on January 28 1918 at Changki village. He received his early education in the American Missionary School at Impur, Mokokchung. Later, T. Ao joined Cotton College, Guwahati for his Intermediate Science. It was during this time, he joined the reputed Maharana Club, Guwahati, from where he started his career as a professional footballer. He played for the club, at the same time represented his college at various tournaments all over India and won several trophies and medals at different levels. The trophies won by the team under the captaincy of T. Ao have been well preserved at Maharana Athletics Club, Guwahati.

Later on, he joined RG KAR Medical College, Kolkata to study medicine, where he completed his MBBS and became the first Naga Physician in 1950. When he was pursuing his studies in the Medical College, Kolkata, he was made a member of the renowned Mohun Bagan club. While he was still studying at Kolkata, he captained the Indian Football Team to London Olympics Games in 1948. T. Ao was the flag bearer of the Indian contingent at the Olympics on July 29 1948 at Wembley Stadium, London.

Dr. T. Ao was therefore a man who excelled not only in academics but also in sports and athletics. He was not only the first Naga Olympian at International level who captained Indian Football Team to London Olympics Games in 1948 but also the first Naga Physician. In commemoration of his 100th Birth Centenary, the government of Nagaland on January 28 2018 officially declared the year ‘2018’ as the yearlong celebrations of Dr. T. Ao by the Governor of Nagaland, P.B Acharya at Raj Bhavan, Kohima. Since then, a series of events were organised across the entire state throughout the year to mark the occasion eventfully and to celebrate the heroic achievements of our legendary footballer in a befitting manner.