Taj Mohammad Sr.


Taj Mohammad also known as Taj Lala or Taj Senior, was a footballer who played as a defender. Born in the Quetta district in the Baluchistan Agency in British India, he represented India during the 1948 Summer Olympics.

Early life

Belonging to the Tareen tribe of ethnic Pashtuns, Mohammad was born in 1924 in Killa Batezai in the Quetta district of Baluchistan Agency of British India.

Club career

Mohammad started his youth career with Prince Club of Quetta in which he played for 6 years. In 1940, when he toured Lucknow with the Hazara Club and represented the Sandemans Club in the Rovers Cup in Bombay, he was called up by Kolkata Mohammedan where he formed a formidable defence along with Balochistan fellow Jumma Khan.
In 1948, Mohammad joined Bhawanipore Club in Calcutta. He played for East Bengal in 1949 at Calcutta Football League.
Following the partition, Mohammad moved to Pakistan where he played for several clubs, including Muslim Club of Quetta, Afghan Club and Karachi Kickers. In 1955, he toured India with Karachi Kickers and the next year went on tour to Tehran with Hazara Club Quetta. He represented Balochistan in the National Football Championship. And also played for Pakistan Raiders Club for their participation in the Rovers Cup.
In 1957 he played for North-Western Railway.

International career

Mohammad competed in the men's tournament at the 1948 Summer Olympics with the India national team. The following year, he toured Ceylon with India, playing in several matches against local sides.
After representing India at international level, he migrated back to his hometown in Pakistan.

Post-retirement

After his retirement from the game, Mohammad worked in a government school where he retired in 1975. He spent his later life in abject poverty. The Taj Lala Football Stadium in Pishin is named after him.

Honours

Bengal
East Bengal