Norman Pritchard’s achievement of scoring a hat-trick for St. Xavier’s College, Calcutta (now Kolkata, West Bengal) in the 1889 Trades Cup is a historic moment in Indian football. Pritchard, a pioneer in Indian football and one of the first Indian footballers to gain international recognition, is remembered for his significant contribution to the sport during its early days in India.
The 1889 Trades Cup was one of the early football tournaments in India, and it played a key role in the development of the sport in the region. The competition featured various local clubs and teams from Calcutta (Kolkata), and it was part of the growing popularity of football in British India. In the 1889 Trades Cup, Norman Pritchard scored a hat-trick while playing for St. Xavier’s College, one of the top institutions in Calcutta. The team faced Sovabazar Club, another local club, in a match that would go down in history.
Pritchard was not only a great footballer but also a key figure in the early development of the sport in India. He is often regarded as one of the first Indian footballers to gain recognition on the international stage. Born in Calcutta in 1879, Pritchard was a versatile athlete who also excelled in athletics, particularly in the 200 meters and 110-meter hurdles. However, he is best known for his contribution to football during his time at St. Xavier’s College.
Scoring a hat-trick in a football match during the late 19th century, when football was still an emerging sport in India, was a remarkable feat. It showcased Pritchard’s exceptional skill and goal-scoring ability. His performance helped establish his reputation as one of the most talented and influential footballers in Calcutta at the time. It also highlighted the growing competitive nature of football in India during the British colonial period.
Norman Pritchard went on to represent India in international competitions, most notably in the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he competed in athletics and became the first Indian athlete to win an Olympic medal (in the 200-meter race). However, his early contributions to football remain an important part of Indian football’s history.
Pritchard’s time at St. Xavier’s College and his performances in local tournaments like the Trades Cup helped lay the foundation for the future of football in India, particularly in Calcutta, which was considered the center of Indian football for many years.
Norman Pritchard’s hat-trick in the 1889 Trades Cup for St. Xavier’s College against Sovabazar Club is a key moment in the early history of football in India. His performance not only showcased his individual talent but also helped to elevate the profile of Indian football in its nascent stages. Pritchard’s contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have left a lasting legacy in Indian football history.
