Indian Football Mourns Legendary Forward Sadatullah Khan at 75

The All India Football Federation has condoled the passing of former India forward Sadatullah Khan at the age of 75. Known for his exceptional dribbling and control, he earned five caps for the national team, scoring all three of his international goals in the 1968 Merdeka Cup. At the club level, he was instrumental in Mohammedan Sporting's 1967 Calcutta Football League triumph and also won the IFA Shield with East Bengal. His distinguished career included stints with Mysore in the Santosh Trophy and ITI Bangalore.

Key Points: AIFF Condoles Death of Former India Forward Sadatullah Khan

  • Dribbling maestro & tough-tackling forward
  • Scored 3 goals in 5 India caps
  • Key player in 1968 Merdeka Cup
  • Won Calcutta League with Mohammedan Sporting
  • Also played for East Bengal & ITI
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AIFF condoles death of former India forward Sadatullah Khan

Former India forward Sadatullah Khan, a dribbling maestro and 1968 Merdeka Cup star, passes away at 75. The AIFF pays tribute.

"a tough-tackling forward for whom no defences held any terror - AIFF website"

New Delhi, January 8

The All India Football Federation condoled the death of former India forward Sadatullah Khan, who passed away in Bengaluru after a brief illness on Tuesday. He was 75.

The genial dribbler par excellence was a tough-tackling forward for whom no defences held any terror. More importantly, he had the ability to cut in and out or produce the half turn or the full turn with the ball glued to his feet. Once he had it under control, it was difficult for anyone to take it, as per the AIFF website.

With such abilities, Sadatullah Khan represented India at the international level during the 1968 Merdeka Cup.

He made his senior national team debut against Malaysia on August 11, 1968, in Kuala Lumpur, and went on to earn five caps for the country, scoring three goals (two against South Vietnam and one against Burma) all in the 1968 Merdeka Cup.

At the domestic level, Sadatullah represented Mysore in the Santosh Trophy in 1965 and 1966. At the club level, he enjoyed a distinguished career with several leading teams in the country.

With Mohammedan Sporting, Sadatullah won the Calcutta Football League in 1967 and was widely regarded as the architect of the title-winning campaign.

He also won the Stafford Cup (1970) and the Bordoloi Trophy (1970) with the Black and White Brigade. In 1969, Sadatullah Khan turned out for East Bengal and was part of the team that won the IFA Shield that year.

He later also represented ITI, Bangalore, in 1971 and 1972.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Very sad news. It's important that the AIFF and media highlight these stories. So much of our sporting history gets forgotten. I had never heard of him before, but his achievements with Mohammedan Sporting and East Bengal are remarkable.
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Rohit P
A true dribbler! The description "ball glued to his feet" says it all. Players from that era had pure skill. My grandfather used to talk about the Merdeka Cup days. Sad that we don't have more footage of these legends playing. Condolences to his family.
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Aditi M
Heartfelt condolences. He played for Mysore in Santosh Trophy! As a Kannadiga, it makes me proud to see our state's contribution to Indian football history. We need to document and celebrate these stories better in our schools.
K
Karthik V
Respect. But this also highlights a problem. Why do we only remember our sports stars when they pass away? The AIFF and sports ministry should have a proper system to honour and support our veteran athletes while they are with us. Just a thought.
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Priyanka N
Winning the Calcutta League with Mohammedan Sporting in the 60s was a huge deal! That club has such a rich history. May his soul rest in peace. It's players like him who inspire the next generation, even if quietly.

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