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Mohammedan Sporting Club to confer Shan-e-Mohammedan on Latifuddin Najam!

The Executive Committee of Mohammedan Sporting Club has unanimously decided to confer the prestigious Shan-e-Mohammedan on legendary Indian footballer Latifuddin Najam, who will be feted at club’s Iftar Party on June 23, 2017 at the Mohammedan Sporting ground in Kolkata.

The Shan-e-Mohammedan is the Lifetime Achievement Award of Mohammedan Sporting Club, which is awarded annually to respect and laud indispensable contribution of football players to the 126-year-old club.

Latifuddin, the son of 1952 Helsinki Olympian Syed Khaja Moinuddin, was a useful winger who could play on both flanks. Latifuddin began his career at Andhra Pradesh Police Team before moving to Kolkata in 1970 with Mohammedan Sporting Club.

Having spent a couple of seasons at Mohammedan Sporting Club, Latifuddin switched his allegiance to East Bengal in 1972. However, he returned to Mohammedan Sporting Club very next year and stayed till 1980.

During his second spell with Mohammedan Sporting Club, he formed a lethal strike force with the likes of Mohammed Habib, Mir Sajjad and Mohammed Akbar, that helped the Black Panthers to win many accolades in 70s.

In 1981, Latifuddin again joined East Bengal before returning to Mohammedan Sporting Club for one last time in his career in 1982.

Latifuddin has became the top scorer in 1976 Calcutta Football League with 22 goals, a feat that has only achieved by 11 other Mohammedan Sporting Club footballers since the inception of Calcutta Football League in 1898.

The Hyderabadi has also enjoyed a lot of success in his international career. He was a prominent member of the India junior team that were joint winners of the 1974 AFC U-19 Championship in Thailand, which was known as Asian Junior Championship then. Latifuddin scored a goal in the final which ended in a 2-2 draw against Iran and both teams were declared as joint winners.

He was also a part of the senior India team in 1974 Mardeka Cup, where he scored against Indonesia in a match which India lost in tie-breaker.

“When I started playing I just wanted be like my father. He was my idol, he always used to tell me whatever you do in your life do with honesty. I think I have him proud along the way.” Latifuddin said from Hyderabad.

“I played the game for passion and never think of any awards but today I felt honoured to receive this award from a club which is closest to my heart.” he added.

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