In his very first season in top-tier football, Bhaskar Ganguly was such a huge flop that everyone feared the teenager’s career in Kolkata Maidan would soon be over. Yet, when the goalkeeper, known for his quick reflexes and incredible courage, finally decided to hang up his boots 17 seasons later, he was regarded as one of the all-time greats, who played for both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal with distinction. In between, he donned the National colours for several years and went on to lead India when New Delhi was the proud host of the Asian Games in 1982.

In 1975, Mohun Bagan recruited a young Ganguly from the Veterans Club coaching system. He had the baptism by fire when he was fielded in the IFA Shield final against East Bengal. Unfortunately, it was one of Mohun Bagan’s worst days in history as they lost 0-5 against their arch-rivals. Out of the five goals, four were conceded by Ganguly. The poor youngster had no fault of his own as the Mohun Bagan defence was in shambles, but the fans blamed him for the defeat – he was abused, ridiculed, and nearly chased away from the maidan. But Ganguly was not one to lose heart so easily.

Ganguly switched clubs the next season and joined East Bengal. With the red and golden jersey, he rose from the ashes like the proverbial phoenix and in seven years, became the captain of the National team. In the 1982 Asian Games, India were a crack side and the favourites for a medal. Unfortunately, in the quarter-finals, they lost by a last-minute goal and their campaign came to a sudden halt. However, some of Ganguly’s performances in Asian Cup qualifiers and Nehru Cup would remain etched in the minds of the fans as he played exceptionally under the India bar. Yet, for some unknown reasons, Ganguly was denied the Arjuna award by the Government and the National federation also never took up his cause. Strange are the ways of Indian football.