Dr Talimeran Ao, the legendary sports persona was the first captain of Independent India's Olympic Football team. He was born in the Naga village of Chanki, Assam (now in Nagaland) in 1919. Son of Rev. Subongwati Ao, Dr Talimeran, started playing football from his school days.
He completed his schooling from Impur Christian School and he was the captain of his school's football team. He was awarded the "Best Footballer" title in the All Assam Inter School Football Championship,1937. He was appointed as the captain of his college football team in Cotton College, Guwahati, Assam.
Dr Talimeran Ao joined Mohun Bagan AC and stayed as a captain of the same from 1943-1952.
Dr Talimeran Ao performed superbly in the Durand Cup final,1950 played between Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad Police. In 1951, he played against some foreign teams namely, Philippines, France, Hongkong, Singapore, Burma and Japan.
After his retirement from the Mohun Bagan AC, Talimeran Ao studied medicines at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. Completing his MBBS, he went back to Nagaland.
There he became the director of Nagaland Health Service in 1978. He is remembered for promoting sports in North-Eastern states of India.
Mohun Bagan AC honoured him with the Mohun Bagan Ratna Award in 2002 for his achievements. In 1998, he died at the age of 80.
