Syed Mohammad Hadi Biography 
Syed Mohammad Hadi, shortly called S. M. Hadi was a pioneer of many sports in the first half of 20th century. A gifted athlete from Hyderabad he excelled in different sports like cricket, tennis, hockey, soccer, table tennis, chess, and polo. Yet he gained recognition through tennis and cricket. He was one of the rare sportsmen of early 20th century who excelled in two sports events - tennis and cricket. A former Olympian, he represented India in tennis at 1924 Summer Olympics. As he was an expert in 7 sports, he was nicknamed as "Rainbow Hadi". He is the first batsman to score a century at Ranji Trophy. The runner-up trophy of Moin-ud-Dowlah Gold Cup Cricket Tournament is named as S.M. Hadi Memorial Trophy in his honour.
S. M. Hadi was born on 12 August 1899 to an Army officer Captain Syed Mohammed who served in the Hyderabad state. His father died before he reached two and later he was supported by Sir Asman Jah, the former Prime Minister of Hyderabad State. He grew up along with Asman’s son Nawab Moin-Ud-Dowlah who later became a great lover of sports. Hadi learned horse riding and polo during his younger days and also played soccer. Hadi completed his advanced studies in England with the help of Nawab. He studied at Cambridge University and rose to become a tennis star in those days, fully associated with college games. He along with Cotah Ramaswami played doubles and registered several wins. Both these players later excelled in cricket as well.
He represented India at the Davis Cup in 1924 and 1925 and Wimbledon for five years. He reached Wimbledon quarter finals in doubles in 1926. He also played 1924 Summer Olympics. With 1930s he switched on to cricket and played some outstanding innings in Ranji as a batsman. Both this brothers played first class cricket. A great patron of sports he was one of the founding member of the Hyderabad Football Association and the Hyderabad Cricket Association. He died of lung cancer at the age of 72 in 1971.
Published: N/A
Updated: April 09, 2016
