2019-08-20 Tue

20th August 1896 is a day when legendary Indian Footballer, Gostha Behari Pal was born. Nicknamed as "Chiner Pracheer" (The Wall of China), Gostha was the first captain of India national football team, played in 1920s and 1930s.

Born in Faridpur (present Bangladesh) Gostha Pal started his football career in Kumartuli club in 1907, when he was just 11. He played his first match for Mohun Bagan at the age of 16 in 1913 against Dalhousie F.C. He played for Mohun Bagan, without break, for the next 22 years.

In 1962, Gostha became the first footballer to receive the Padma Shri – the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India. Gostha Pal passed away on 8th April 1976. In 1998, to honor this legendary figure of Indian Football, India Postal Department has issued 300 Paise (3 Rupees) commemorative postage stamp with his name and picture on it-first time ever to be done for a footballer.

Visit philamart to view and purchase variety of stamps from all over the world.