Cuttack, July 13: Long before football icon Diego Maradona mesmerised the world with Argentina's 1986 FIFA World Cup triumph, Odisha had its own football hero whose speed, skill and goal-scoring prowess earned him legendary status among fans.

Whenever Maradona's name came up in football discussions during the late 1980s, many football lovers in Odisha would proudly say, "Maradona is as fast and clinical as our Bachchan." The comparison was a tribute to Abdul Majid, affectionately known as Bachchan, Odisha's first international footballer and a member of India's Asian Games gold medal-winning team.

More than five decades after his death, however, the legacy of the football great has faded from public memory. While older football enthusiasts continue to recall his exploits, many in the younger generation remain unaware of the man who once ranked among India's finest centre-forwards.

Born in 1930 in the Odia Bazaar area of Cuttack, Abdul Majid studied at Syed Seminary School before joining Ravenshaw College in 1948. His outstanding performances on the field earned him the prestigious College Blue honour during his student days.

After representing Odisha in domestic football, Majid joined Kolkata giants Mohammedan Sporting Club, where he established himself as one of the country's most feared forwards. His dazzling pace and attacking instincts attracted the attention of several leading clubs, including Mohun Bagan, but he chose to remain with Mohammedan Sporting.

His extraordinary speed on the field earned him the nickname "Bechain" (restless) from Kolkata football fans. Over time, the name evolved into "Bachchan", the identity by which he became famous across Indian football.

Following Mohammedan Sporting's league triumph in 1948, Majid was selected for the Indian national football team. He later represented India at the Asian Games and was part of the squad that won the coveted gold medal, becoming the first footballer from Odisha to achieve international glory.

Recognising his achievements, then Odisha Chief Minister Harekrushna Mahatab appointed Majid directly as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in 1950. He later served as Superintendent of Police in Chhatrapur before being posted as SP in the Crime Branch.

Despite reaching the pinnacle of both sports and public service, Majid's life was cut short when he died of a heart attack in 1968 at the age of just 38.

Today, 58 years after his passing, many believe Odisha has failed to honour one of its greatest sporting icons. Unlike celebrated personalities from cinema, politics, literature and social service, Abdul Majid has no statue, memorial or major state-sponsored recognition in his home state. Even his photograph is difficult to find in public places in Cuttack.

The only lasting tribute is the annual Bachchan Memorial Football Tournament, while his family continues to seek greater recognition for his contribution to Indian football.

His younger son, Arif Fehmid, expressed disappointment over the lack of official recognition in Odisha.

"My father was Odisha's first international footballer, yet nothing significant has been done to preserve his legacy. Mohammedan Sporting Club in Kolkata still proudly displays his large portrait and continues to honour his memory. Unfortunately, no such effort has been made in Odisha. As a family, we are proud of his achievements, but the state should also recognise the pride and glory he brought to Odisha by honouring him posthumously," he said.

With football gradually losing ground to cricket in India, sports historians and football enthusiasts believe it is time Odisha reclaimed the legacy of Abdul Majid 'Bachchan'—a pioneer whose contributions deserve to be remembered by future generations.