Hyderabad, Oct. 1 -- India's most successful football coach was perhaps also India's most neglected personality.

Syed Abdul Rahim of Hyderabad took India to gold medals in two Asian Games, beating Iran and Japan, among others, in 1951, and Japan and Korea in 1962. Such a feat now looks like an impossibility. As if that was not enough, Rahim guided India to fourthplace in the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956. India defeated host Australiain that tournament.

But the far sightedleader did not get any awards or recognition.For some unexplained reason he was overlooked time and again by the government when the question of the Padma awards came up. His contributionsremained precious only in the minds of football lovers.

But now, at long last,...