Gostha Behari Pal

Gostha Behari Pal (20 August 1896 ) was an Indian professional football player. He was born in Bhojeswar, Faridpore, Bengal Presidency  (Bangladesh).  Nicknamed as "Chiner Pracheer" (The Wall of China) he was one of the best defenders of contemporary Indian football. He started playing for Kumartuli A.C. aged 11, and joined Mohun Bagan at the age of 16. In 1921, Gostho Paul was honored with the captaincy of the Mohun Bagan football team, and he remained as the club captain for next 5 years. In 1924, he was also appointed as the captain of the Indian national football team.  He was the first Indian footballer to be honoured with the Padma Shri, on 27 April 1962.