Syed Abdus Samad, the legendary Bangladeshi-Indian footballer, Widely known as the “Football Jadukor” or ‘Football Magician,’ Samad’s journey unfolded from the lush fields of Bengal to the international stage. Abdus Samad was a Footballer from Undivided India.
Born on December 6, 1895, in Burdwan, Bengal Presidency (now in West Bengal), Syed Abdus Samad’s destiny intertwined with the beautiful game from an early age.
Affectionately dubbed the “Football Jadukor,” Samad showcased his mesmerizing skills as a forward, captivating audiences with his wizardry on the field. His stellar contributions led him to don the jersey of the India national football team in 1924. The pinnacle of his career came in 1926 when he not only represented the nation but also captained them.
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Early Life of The Legendary Syed Abdus Samad
Delving into Samad’s early life unveils a story of passion and commitment. Growing up in Moulvitola after his family’s relocation, Samad’s love for football blossomed under the guidance of his school’s headmaster, Piyare Mohan Mookherji. Despite leaving school in the eighth grade, Samad’s innate talent for football flourished, setting him on a path to greatness.
Beyond football, Samad’s interests expanded to cricket and tennis. Hailing from a family with a government-employed father, Syed Fazlul Bari, and a grandfather who held a prestigious judicial post, Samad’s roots reflected a blend of athleticism and intellectual lineage.
Samad had notable stints at Aryans Club, where he became an integral part of the team in 1915. His football odyssey spanned from 1915 to 1938.
Syed Abdus Samad’s Football Odyssey: Clubs, Triumphs, and a Golden Era
Syed Abdus Samad’s association with football began in 1912 when he joined the esteemed Calcutta Main Town Club, setting the stage for a career that would become legendary. His early years showcased his prowess as he played for the Tajhat Football Club of Rangpur from 1915 to 1920, displaying skills that would later earn him the title of “Football Jadukor.”
Dukhiram Majumder, a founding member of Aryan Club in 1888, played a pivotal role in shaping Samad’s career. Samad not only played for Aryan Club but also received his initial football training from Majumder, a mentor who played a crucial part in nurturing talents like Samad himself.
Samad’s journey through clubs continued as he joined the Victoria Sporting Club of Dhaka in 1927. In 1916, he made headlines by leading a team that triumphed over the Somerset Football Team of England with a convincing 4-1 victory. His skills were not confined to one club, as he played for Calcutta Orients Club in 1918, followed by joining the East Bengal Railway Club in 1921.
With the East Bengal Railway Club, Samad achieved significant success, securing the All-India Railway Championship thrice and reaching the runner-up position in the Durand Cup in 1927. A highlight of his career came in the same year when he scored a memorable goal against the Sherwood Forestry Team, patronized by Lieutenant General Sherwood Mall of the British Indian Army.
Pankaj Gupta, a legendary Indian sports administrator, aptly captured Samad’s brilliance, stating that “on his day he would have walked into a world eleven.”
In 1931, Samad joined Mohun Bagan, where he shared the field with iconic players like Gostha Pal, Karuna Bhattacharya, and others. His journey continued at the age of 38 when he joined the Mohammedan Sporting Club, contributing to the club’s “golden age” from 1933 to 1938. During this period, Mohammedan achieved historic milestones, including capturing the Calcutta Football League title in 1934 and becoming Senior Division champion for five consecutive years from 1934 to 1938.
Samad’s remarkable playing career came to an end in 1936 due to a serious injury, leading to his retirement from Mohammedan Sporting Club.
Syed Abdus Samad’s International Career
Syed Abdus Samad’s foray into the international football arena commenced in 1925 when he made his debut for the India national team. He embarked on a whirlwind tour, in countries spanning Burma, Ceylon, Hong Kong, China, Java, Sumatra, Malay, Borneo, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
One of the most memorable moments in Samad’s international career unfolded during a match against China in Peking.
In less than half an hour, the Chinese players dealt a devastating blow to the Indian football team, scoring three goals swiftly. The Indian defenders found themselves helpless against the rapid and relentless attacks of the Chinese strikers. On the sidelines, a towering six-feet-tall man with a robust physique observed the unfolding catastrophe. Although part of the Indian team, he was sidelined due to an injury.
Witnessing the dire situation of his team, he approached the coach with a fervent request to allow him onto the field. He assured the coach that within a mere 15 minutes, he would score four goals and secure victory for the team. The coach, willing to take the chance, granted his request. To the amazement of everyone, the determined player, armed with incredible dribbling skills and unmatched speed, scored the first goal within just three minutes of stepping onto the field. In a mere five minutes, he launched another kick from the midfield straight into the opponent’s net.
Realizing the imminent threat, the Chinese players bolstered their defense to counter this seemingly superhuman adversary. However, their efforts were in vain as the football magician remained true to his word. In the end, he led India to a triumphant victory with a final score of 4-3 goals.
Anecdotes from Samad’s time in the United Kingdom add a touch of flair to his international exploits. In one match, a shot from Samad struck the goal post, prompting him to assert confidently that the goal post’s height was less than normal. Undeterred, Samad engaged in a spirited argument with the referee, emphasizing that his shots couldn’t be wrong.
In a surprising turn of events, Samad’s conviction led to the measurement of the goal post, revealing that it was indeed 1.5 inches shorter than the standard height. The result? The goal was rightfully awarded to Samad, showcasing not only his exceptional playing abilities but also his astute awareness and confidence on the field.
Syed Abdus Samad’s Life After Football
Following the partition of India in 1947, Syed Abdus Samad chose to make Parbatipur Upazila of Dinajpur in East Pakistan his home. Embracing a new chapter in his life, Samad found employment as an inspector at the Pakistan Eastern Railway.
Samad’s commitment to sports extended beyond his playing days. He assumed the role of chairman of the Pakistan National Sports Council Board, demonstrating his dedication to fostering athletic excellence. In 1957, he furthered his impact by accepting the position of coach for the National Sports Council Board’s football section, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring athletes.
Recognizing his exceptional contributions, Samad was honored with the Pride of Performance (President’s Award) in 1962, a testament to his enduring influence in the realm of sports.
On a personal note, Samad married Syeda Qamrunnisa on 12 October 1917, and the couple welcomed a son named Golam Hossain. Their shared passion for football manifested as they played together for the Eastern Bengal Railway team in 1944.
Syed Abdus Samad bid farewell to the world on 2 February 1964 in Parbatipur Upazila, leaving behind a legacy that would be immortalized in various forms. In 1969, the Parbatipur Railway Institute was renamed the Samad Institute in his honor, a fitting tribute to a man who had left an indelible mark on the community.
His impact transcended borders, as the East Pakistan (later Bangladesh) Government commemorated him with a postal stamp in 1969. The Bangladesh Football Federation pays homage to his memory through the annual “Jadukar Samad Smriti Football Tournament,” ensuring that his legacy lives on in the hearts of football enthusiasts.
In further recognition, the Government of Bangladesh launched a postage stamp series in his memory, symbolizing the enduring imprint of a football maestro. Samad Milanayatan, constructed by the Bangladesh Railway, and the Samad Institute in East Parbatipur stand as physical embodiments of remembrance, ensuring that Syed Abdus Samad’s contributions to sports and community service echo through the corridors of time.
