Dr.Talimeren Ao (1918-1998)
Dr.Talimeren Aao (1918-1998)
Dr. Talimeren Ao (Born: Jan 28, 1918 - Died: Sept 13, 1998) - a legendary footballer of Changki, Nagaland, captained the first Indian football team which participated in the London Olympics of 1948. Playing barefooted like many of his team-mates, Ao and India were eliminated in the first round.

In national competition, Ao played for Mohun Bagan between 1943 and 1952. In the 1950 Durand Cup final, he switched his position when the goalkeeper of his team had to leave the field due to injury, and helped his team to draw the match. In 1972 he received a rare honor of being made a member of the All India Council of Sports.

Dr. T. Ao was the son of Rev. Subongwati Ao and Maongsangla. He was married to Deikim Doungel.

After passing from Cotton College of Gauhati, Assam Aao went to study medicine in R.G.Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata in 1943. In the same year he became a member of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club. In 1963, the Government posted him as Assistant Civil Surgeon in Kohima Hospital, Nagaland. Dr.T.Ao rose to become the first Naga Director of Health Services. He held this post till his retirement in 1978.

In 2009, Union minister for mines and DoNER B.K Handique inaugurated the first Dr. T. Ao Football Trophy at the DDSC Stadium in Dimapur, Nagaland.


(Photo taken from - http://dimapur.nic.in/taoprofile.htm)