Tulsidas Balaram, a legendary footballer from India, passed away on January 22, 2023, at the age of 87 in Bengaluru, India. He was suffering from age-related health issues and was admitted to the Manipal Hospital a few days ago, where he breathed his last.

Balaram was born on 3 December 1935 in Bengaluru and began his footballing journey with Bangalore Blues in the late 1940s. In 1951, he joined Mysore State Railways, where he played alongside another legendary Indian footballer, Chuni Goswami. Balaram later went on to play for several other clubs, including Mohammedan Sporting Club, East Bengal, and FC Kochin.

He played for the Indian football team for more than a decade, representing the country in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games, and the 1958, 1962, and 1966 Asian Games. He was a key member of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. He also played an instrumental role in India’s 4-2 victory over Australia in the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, scoring two of India’s four goals.

Balaram was known for his incredible skill and technique on the football field, and his contribution to Indian football will always be remembered. His passing is a huge loss for the Indian football fraternity, and the entire country mourns the loss of this legendary footballer.