Gostha Pal Biography 
Gostha Behari Paul, also called Gostha Pal was an Indian professional football player, who was first captain of India national football team, played in 1920s and 1930s. He was also the first Indian footballer to be honoured with Padma Shri awards. He received this civilian honour in the year 1962. Apart from national team, he has played for professional clubs such as Kumartuli A.C. (1907-1912), Kolkata and Mohun Bagan. He had a long term association with Mohun Bagan and played the club for nearly 25 years between 1912 and 1936. He played as a defender for his team and was nicknamed as "Chiner Pracheer" which means ‘The Wall of China’.
Gostha Behari Paul was born in Bhojeswar, Faridpore, Bengal Presidency on 20 August 1896. His birthplace is currently located in Bangladesh. As an infant his family moved to Kolkata, and later he grew up in the city. Later he settled there where he lived the rest of his life. India’s one of the greatest footballers, he was one of nation’s best defenders ever. He is also an integral part of Bengal's football folklore. His statue has been erected on the Gostho Pal Sarani in Kolkata in 1984, 8 years after his death. Mohun Bagan awarded him the Mohun Bagan Ratna posthumously in 2004.
He started playing for Kumartuli A.C. aged 11. He joined Mohun Bagan in 1912 at the age of 16. He became the captain of the team in 1921 and served his team leading from front for several tournaments. He retired from professional football in the year 1935. A street – Gostha Paul Sarani from Eden Gardens to Outram Ghat was named in his memory in 1984.
Published: January 30, 2019
Updated: January 30, 2019
