Peter Thangaraj Biography 
Peter Thangaraj was an Indian footballer from Hyderabad, South India who played for national team. He lived during the period, 24 December 1935 – 24 November 2008. He mostly played as goalkeeper for his team, and has occasionally served as Centre forward. He was a member of national team which played 1956 Melbourne and 1960 Rome Olympics, and he was voted Asia’s best goalkeeper in 1958. He has been associated with national team since 1955, and as a captain has led the team Services to its first even triumph in the Santosh Trophy in 1960. Thangaraj retired from active football in 1971 and later served as a football coach. He passed away in Bokaro on 2008. He received Arjuna Award in 1967.
Peter Thangaraj was born on 24 December 1935 in Hyderabad State. His initial days of football were spent with Morning Star Club and Friends Union Club of Secunderabad. In 1953 he joined the Indian Army. During his military career too, he played football and he has represented Madras Regimental Centre for many tournaments, playing as a centre forward. But later he switched to goalkeeper and earned success and recognition in this new role. Since then he mostly played as goalkeeper throughout his international career.
Initially he played for Services in football, and also served as team captain. Services registered their first even Championship win at Santosh Trophy under the leader of Thangaraj. Later he left Services and moved to Kolkata, where he played for Mohammedan Sporting, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal in the 1960s and 1970s at different points of time. In fact he was part of the Bengal team, which won the Santosh Trophy in 1963. Two years later he was a member of Railways which won the Santosh Trophy in 1965. Thus he has been the goalkeeper to Railways, Bengal and Services during their trophy wins.
Published: February 03, 2019
Updated: February 03, 2019
