Forgotten Hero of Indian Football: Arumoy Naigam Still Shines in Memory

Ray Sportz Web Desk: Between 1961 and 1968, Arumoy Naigam proudly represented Mohun Bagan for eight consecutive years, leaving an indelible mark on Indian football. A key figure of his time, Naigam also represented Bengal in the prestigious Santosh Trophy and played a crucial role in India’s historic gold medal victory at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta.
Now 83 years old, Naigam may be experiencing the natural frailty that comes with age, but his memories remain remarkably vivid. The moment he holds the famous Mohun Bagan jersey, a bright smile spreads across his face. It instantly takes him back to the golden days of the 1960s.
“Mohan Bagan still lives in my heart. I want to remember the club for the rest of my life. Playing for Mohun Bagan was always a special feeling,” he said softly, his voice carrying a mix of nostalgia and pride.
During his time with Mohun Bagan, Naigam was part of a formidable generation of footballers. He shared the dressing room with legendary players like Chuni Goswami and P. K. Banerjee, forming memories that still resonate deeply with him.
In the iconic green-and-maroon jersey, Naigam helped the club win an impressive 15 trophies, including major tournaments such as the Durand Cup, Rovers Cup, Calcutta Football League, and the IFA Shield.
His contributions to the club and Indian football were formally recognized in 2014 when he was honored with the prestigious Mohun Bagan Ratna. Reflecting on those days, Naigam recalled, “We played many matches together and fought many battles on the field. Some moments are still deeply etched in my mind.”
One of the proudest chapters of his career came in 1962 when he was part of the Indian team that clinched the gold medal at the Asian Games in Jakarta. The memory still brings a sense of awe.
“Winning a medal for the country is a different feeling altogether. Even today, when I think about it, I feel thrilled,” he said while carefully holding the medal he has preserved over the years.
With time, the name Arumoy Naigam has faded from mainstream discussions of Indian football. Yet in Bengaluru—the city now associated with modern Indian football icons like Sunil Chhetri—the legacy of this living legend continues to shine quietly but proudly.