17 Facts About Peter Thangaraj

Havildar Peter Thangaraj was an Indian football player and a non-commissioned officer in the Indian Army.

Peter Thangaraj was a recipient of Arjuna Award for the year 1967.

Peter Thangaraj played domestic club football for both the Calcutta Football League clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.

Peter Thangaraj was the first choice goalkeeper for the club over the years.

Peter Thangaraj began his football career with Morning Star Club, and then moved to Friends Union Club of Secunderabad.

Peter Thangaraj joined the Indian Army in 1953 and began representing the Madras Regimental Centre where he played as a centre forward, but took to goalkeeping subsequently with great success.

Peter Thangaraj captained the Services team for its first-ever triumph in the Santosh Trophy in 1960.

Peter Thangaraj had a little weakness with ground shots but in the air, he was superb.

Peter Thangaraj used to pluck the ball in the air from attacks or corner kicks.

Peter Thangaraj was part of the Bengal team, which won the Santosh Trophy in 1963.

Peter Thangaraj represented India at the Merdeka Cup tournament held at Kuala Lumpur from 1958 to 1966.

Peter Thangaraj represented India at the 1964 and 1966 Asian Cup held in Israel and Burma respectively.

Peter Thangaraj was named the Best Goalkeeper of Asia in 1958, and awarded the Arjuna Award in 1967.

Peter Thangaraj twice played for the Asian All-Star team and was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper in 1967.

Peter Thangaraj retired from active football in 1971 and then took to coaching.

Peter Thangaraj later managed Goa Professional League side Vasco SC until 1975.

Peter Thangaraj died in Bokaro, on 24 November 2008 after a massive heart-attack.