India’s 5-2 victory over Hong Kong in the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo stands as a historic moment in the country’s football history. Here’s a detailed look at this remarkable match.
Match Date: 25 May 1958
Location: Tokyo, Japan
India played Hong Kong in the quarter-finals of the 1958 Asian Games football tournament, and the match is remembered for India’s biggest margin of victory in Asian Games football history.
India’s Dominance: India defeated Hong Kong 5-2 in a thrilling match. The victory was especially significant because of the attacking performance displayed by the Indian team.
Mohammad Rahmatullah scored two goals in this match, showcasing his clinical finishing.
Subimal ‘Chuni’ Goswami, one of India’s greatest footballers, contributed with a goal.
D. Damodaran and T. Balaram each scored one goal, completing India’s five goals.
Extra Time Drama: The match went into extra time, marking the first time India played extra time in an international football match. India scored three goals in extra time, demonstrating both stamina and attacking prowess in the extended period.
Historical Victory: The 5-2 win over Hong Kong remains India’s largest margin of victory in an Asian Games football match. It was a remarkable display of offensive football by India.
Chuni Goswami’s Leadership: Subimal ‘Chuni’ Goswami, the captain of the team, was pivotal in leading India’s charge. His goal in this match added to his growing legacy as one of India’s finest footballers.
India’s Football Growth: This victory helped India advance further in the tournament, showcasing their footballing strength at a time when the country was beginning to make a mark in Asian football.
Memorable Achievement: The 5-2 victory in the 1958 Asian Games became one of the proudest moments for Indian football, demonstrating the team’s ability to play high-level football on the continental stage.
First Use of Extra Time: The match also marked a milestone as India played extra time for the first time in an international football match, adding a layer of historical significance to the match.
India’s performance in the 1958 Asian Games, especially their victory over Hong Kong, remains a key moment in Indian football history. The team’s ability to score three goals in extra time was a testament to their resilience and attacking capabilities.
Chuni Goswami, Rahmatullah, and other players who were part of this iconic match are still remembered fondly in Indian football circles for their contribution to the sport.
In summary, India’s 5-2 victory over Hong Kong in the 1958 Asian Games is a landmark moment in the history of Indian football, not only for the impressive margin of victory but also for the team’s resilience and historical significance in playing extra time for the first time.
