Poverty blows whistle on this former footballer!

Hyderabad, Apr 5 (UNI) The life of footballer Bir Bahadur, who had represented India in the 1966 Bangkok Asiad and endearingly called as 'Forward Cheetah' by his fans, has now become a nightmare, suffering poverty.

It was in the year 1966, that the football buffs had witnessed the talent of Mr Bahadur in a match between Services and Mohan Bagan.

This young forward of the Services, with his immaculate dribbling skills caused panic in the opponent's camp.

Moreover, his powerful kick once resulted in Bagan's goalkeeper, falling back and fracturing his shoulder bone.

It was this match which gave him the name 'Forward Cheetah'.

Bir Bahadur, who hails from Dehradun, was inspired by his father Shuk Lal, who represented India in the Olympics, and took to football.

His vigorous practice got recognition when he became the captain of his school team at the age of 14.

It was just the beginning. He was recruited in the Indian Army and played for the Services in several national level matches, including the Durand Cup, Santosh Trophy, Rover's Cup and DCM Trophy.

Though the Indian team lost in the quarter finals of the Bangkok Asiad, Bir Bahadur's contribution was appreciated by the football lovers.

Bir Bahadur, who came to Hyderabad on a transfer in 1962, scored a hat-trick in a match played between Andhra Pradesh Football Association (APFA) and Denmark at the Lal Bahadur Stadium here.

After retirement from the Army as a Hawildar, he trained young football players in Bangalore from 1984 to 1988.

After the expiry of his contract, he returned to Hyderabad.

In due course, as the standard of living soared high, and with a wife and five children to support, he had to live in a rented house with just his pension from the Army. His eldest son Rohit, who also got a job in the Army, had to retire due to a serious illness.

Following his daughter Rajya Lakshmi's marriage, Bir Bahadur became debt-ridden.

Learning about his plight, Cricketer Sunil Gavaskar sanctioned him Rs 5,000 a month from the Champ's Foundation.

Mr Bahadur told UNI that the monthly amount approved by Mr Gavaskar had brought some relief to him. But he still faced financial problems as he had to repay the debts incurred from his daughter's marriage.

He said he was eagerly awaiting substantial help from Indian Football Association(IFA).

UNI