Hooked on to a rich diet of the highly-competitive European football on television, the followers of the game in India could be pardoned if they are a disillusioned lot, looking at the state of the sport in the country. There is a huge gulf in quality, class and star presence and our current world ranking -- 169th -- is nothing to be proud off.
However, the case was much different in an earlier era — from the 1950s to ’80 — when the game had a certain standing in this country, with achievements to be proud of on the international stage. Players had a huge fan following locally and the clubs, especially the Kolkata ones, would go to any extremes to rope in marquee players. One such player was the dynamic Bangalore winger N Ulaganathan.
Born in 1952 in the city’s footballing heartland of Gouthampura where the ‘Beautiful Game’ is the most widely followed religion and the legendary Pele is immortalised in a statue, Ulaganathan famously went on to earn the Brazilian’s sobriquet — ‘The Black Pearl’.
Although he achieved many accolades in his successful career, earning that title stands closest to his heart, just edging out the 1974 Durand Cup final when he netted a brilliant hat-trick to win the crown for Mohun Bagan. For the record, Ulaganathan is the only Indian to achieve such a feat.
“I am still surprised by it (being called the Black Pearl),” said Ulaganathan in a chat with Deccan Herald a few days after receiving the Karnataka Olympic Association award in the veteran’s category. “I think I didn’t play that well to earn such a famous nickname. I don’t think I was anywhere close to the great man. In our times we never had television and could hardly see his wonderful exploits.
“But just as he is adored in Brazil and many parts of the world, we loved him and he still remains an inspiration to many kids in the locality. Coming to me, many people who watched me still recognise me. Whenever I go to the old markets here and also to Kolkata, people tell me how they enjoyed watching me and my team-mates play. I am not as famous as some celebrated names in Indian sport, but such recognition gives you goose bumps. It makes you feel special as it is nearly two decades since I stopped playing,” added the 60-year-old who still trains for two hours a day to keep himself fit.
Much water has flowed under the bridge since Ulaganathan last kicked a ball professionally in the mid 80s when many clubs boasted of some key names who could draw crowds and mesmerise them with their natural skills. The popularity and the standard of the game has been constantly eroding with very little signs of an upswing.
“Where are the jobs for the players,” questions Ulaganathan. “In our times, the game gave us security. Now, players fear to take up the game. None of the public sector companies -- huge promoters during our times -- are willing to hand out appointments and most players in a team are just guest players, some earning very little.
“During my time with Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, there were just one or two players from outstation and the rest were home grown. Now, it’s just the opposite with just one or two homegrown players and rest from outside. Player injuries are not taken care of in many clubs and most often the player has to shell out from his own pocket.
“While the facilities have improved in terms of installing quality pitches and hiring proper training equipment and personnel, the lack of job security is what is driving the players away. This needs to change or the situation will remain the same or worsen,” added Ulaganathan who captivated a generation of fans in his heyday, winning numerous matches for Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal with his brilliant work down the flanks and centre, deft touches, passes and silken movement.
Having almost made up his mind to quit Bagan in his debut season in 1974 following an average outing, little did Ulaganathan imagine that he would go on to create history in New Delhi. He first slammed the winner against local rivals East Bengal in the semifinals ending a five-year victory drought before creating a lasting name for himself in the title clash against JCT.
“I still can’t believe that feat,” recollected an emotion-filled Ulaganathan. “That match changed my life and I never looked back since. I became famous because of that match and after that I decided to remain in Kolkata – the capital of Indian football. It’s definitely god’s grace.”
Stunningly, Ulaganathan was never booked in his near two-decade career. Just how did a forward dodge numerous defenders -- some extremely physical -- and just how did he manage to do so in high-pressure and emotionally-charged matches without losing his control even once?
“I just never touched any of the players. They all came to me and pounced on me, but I somehow managed to evade them. I guess, looking back now, it is a God’s gift. It all just happened.”
Enjoying a retired life at his home ‘Soccer Villa’ in Bangalore, Ulaganathan spends time coaching kids at his academy which he runs along with a few other former footballers. Memories of the good old days are never far away — black and white as well as sepia-toned photographs of his playing days and a cupboard full of medals and trophies ensure that.