~ The Best Malaysian Indian Footballers ~

[MysteRy]

The Best Malaysian Indian Footballers

Football is an huge part of the Malaysian culture and many Indian footballers were the best players that have graced the sport.

It all started when a national tournament known as the Malaysia Cup (Piala Malaysia) was introduced in the year 1921

Along the way, we have witnessed plenty of talented players that have made their name as the greatest Malaysian footballers of all time.



Datuk Santokh Singh (Defender)



A member of the golden generation, Datuk Santokh Singh is still known as the best defender in Malaysia.

Back then, his partnership with Soh Chin Aun was the most solid defense in the much feared Malaysian team.

The Setapak born served the national team for 12 years since his debut in 1973. He also played for the Selangor team from 1972 to 1985, winning 9 Malaysia Cups and also captained the team.

Datuk Santokh Singh participated in 2 Asian Cup finals and even qualified for 2 Olympic Games.

 

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K. Sanbagamaran (Midfielder)



K.Sanbagamaran was one of the best midfielders who has donned the national yellow-black stripes. In domestic competitions, Sanba was best remembered for his Selangor and Sabah days where he was influential in winning so many titles.

He is feared by opponents because of his unlimited energy throughout the 90 minutes of a match and his dribbling skills that can break opponents’ tactics.

Sanbagamaran’s career highlight was undoubtedly during the 1996 Tiger Cup in Singapore when he scored the first goal of the competition. Another notable match would be the 2-0 win over Finland when Sanba scored both the goals (a brace).

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Thanabalan Nadarajah (Striker)



Thanabalan Nadarajah famously known as N.Thanabalan first represented Malaysian when he was just 17 years old and he is well known for so many records in Malaysia football.

In the 1968 Malaysia Cup final against Penang, he scored 4 goals for Selangor, a record that remains unbeatable for 47 years!

He also scored 8 goals in 6 matches during the 1968 Merdeka Tournament which witnessed Malaysia winning the title against Burma (now Myanmar).

N. Thanabalan was an extremely passionate footballer to the extent that he played the 1968 Merdeka final on the eve of his wedding day.

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Datuk R. Arumugam (Goalkeeper)



Dubbed as the Spiderman, Datuk R. Arumugam, was a legendary goalkeeper from Klang, Selangor.

He made his debut for Selangor when he was only 18 and during his stint with Selangor, the team won the Malaysia Cup for 8 times.

Alongside Datuk Santokh Singh and Soh Chin Aun, R. Arumugam also helped the national football team to win the Merdeka tournament in 1973, 1974, 1976 and 1979. He even represented Malaysia in 7 Sea Games and helped Malaysia to qualify for the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games.

After retiring from football in 1986, he died in car accident in December 1988.

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Dato M. Chandran (Defender)



Since the 1960s, Dato M.Chandran is a strong pillar in Malaysian football. On field, he is known as a ruthless defender with spectacular speed and focus.

The Selangor central defender become the foundation in defense for both the state and national team. As the captain of the national team for 3 years, he led the team to the historic qualification to the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.

M.Chandran later coached the Malaysian national team and Selangor for 4 years and 5 years respectively.