The Bollywood film Maidaan tells the story of Syed Abdul Rahim, a legendary football manager who deserves major credit for the rise of Indian football in the late 20th century.

The trailer of the film starring Ajay Devgn begins with his voiceover saying, “We are not the biggest country nor the richest. Half the world doesn't know us. Football can create our identity because the whole world plays football. Therefore, India must focus on building a world-class team in the next decade.”

Rahim was coach of the national team from 1950 to 1963. During this period, considered the 'Golden Age of Indian Football', the country secured gold medals at the 1951 and 1962 Asian Games.

Rahim was born in Hyderabad on August 17, 1909 and took up an apprenticeship at a young age before becoming a professional footballer. He played for local club Qamar and later for Dutch Amateur League club HSV Hoek.

India refused to take part in the 1950 FIFA World Cup, then known as the Jules Rimet Trophy, because their players reportedly refused to wear football boots.

A year later, they became the best team in Asia by winning gold at the Asian Games. In the final, India beat Iran 1-0 in front of a packed crowd in Delhi, with then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru also present in the stadium.

When Rahim started his managerial career, most teams in the world played in the 2-3-5 formation. The Indian mastermind introduced the 4-4-2 system, which was later popularized by Brazil in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups.

Under his leadership, India also secured fourth place in the 1956 Olympics.

When India competed in the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, Rahim was diagnosed with cancer and was told he had less than ten months to live. His team defeated South Korea 2-1 in the final to regain the gold medal.

Rahim breathed his last on June 11, 1963 at the age of 53.

The 2 minute and 43 second trailer of Maidan shows Rahim working to put India on the world football map. Although the coach believes in his vision, he is not supported by the leadership of the Indian Football Association.

The story revolves around how he builds the team and overcomes the challenges as he tries to get his team over the finish line.

Devgn is joined by Priyamani, Gajraj Rao and Bengali actor Rudranil Ghosh in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Zee Studios, Boney Kapoor, Arunava Joy Sengupta and Akash Chawla and has a music score by Oscar winner AR Rahman.

Maidaan is slated to hit theaters worldwide on April 10.

Indo-Asian News Service