Dr Talimeran Ao, the legendary sports persona was the first captain of Independent India’s Olympic Football team. He was born in the Naga village of Chanki, Assam (now in Nagaland) on 28th January, 1918. Son of Rev. Subongwat Ao, Dr Talimeran, he started playing football from his school days.

Dr Talimeran Ao joined Mohun Bagan in 1943 and stayed in the club till 1952. He captained the Green & Maroons in 1948 and 1949.

In 1948, a year after India won its independence, Indian football team participated in summer Olympics. Dr, Ao was selected as the captain of the team and was the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent.

Dr Ao performed superbly in the Durand Cup final, 1951 played between Mohun Bagan and Hyderabad Police. In 1951, he played against foreign teams like Philippines, France, Hong Kong, Singapore, Myanmar and Japan.

After his retirement from the Mohun Bagan, Dr. Ao completed his study of medicine at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata. Completing his MBBS, he went back to Nagaland.

He became the director of Nagaland Health Service in 1978. He is remembered for promoting sports in North-Eastern states of India.

Mohun Bagan honoured him with the Mohun Bagan Ratna Award in 2002 for his achievements. He died on 13th September, 1998 at the age of 80.