JOIN USSyed Abdus Salam, a member of the Indian football team that participated at the 1956 Melbourne Games, passed away in Hyderabad on Saturday. He was 80.
Salam was bed-ridden for the past few years and was on intravenous (IV) fluids.
With the passing away of Salam, only three members -- T Balaraman, Ahmad Hussain and Zulfikuruddin -- of that side are alive now.
The Hyderabadi played as a centre-back in the ’56 Olympic team which to this day is considered one of the finest Indian sides in the history.
Salam played for Mohammedan Sporting his entire career and the team won both the Calcutta football League and IFA Shield in 1957 under his captaincy. He also represented the State teams of Hyderabad and Bengal during his career.
Post retirement, Salam was closely involved with the game in his role as a coach.
He is survived by two sons and a daughter.