India vs France – reliving Independent India’s first ever official match

On 31st July 1948, almost one year after gaining Independence, India played its first ever International football match against France at the world’s biggest sporting event – Olympics.
The 1948 London Olympics gave India an opportunity to compete against the world’s best. Under the guidance of Mohun Bagan coach Balaidas Chatterjee, the squad traveled to Great Britain after AIFF successfully managed to get India in Olympics, thanks to few other countries that withdrew.
The AIFF had done well to send the Indian team almost a month early to the event and had organised few matches leading up to the tournament. India played five unofficial friendlies against English amateur clubs winning all five and in the process scoring 39 goals while conceding just 5. The barefooted Indians’ dribbling and their exceptional ball control had managed to delight the English audience.

Finally, fifteen days prior to India celebrating its first anniversary, the Indian team took on France in the first round game of 1948 Olympics. Taking on a European team the Indian squad, led by centre-half Talimeren Ao, came out bare feet to play the game. Although France were not the world beaters they were still a one of those good teams that were regular in the world cups.
Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images
Referee Gunnar Dahlner (c) looks on as the two captains, France’s G Robert (l) and India’s AAO Talineran (r), shake hands before the match (Photo by Barratts/PA Images via Getty Images)
In a wet and cold surface of the English field, a bare-footed Indian team showcased some determined performances creating good chances against their much-fancied opponent. Although India looked like a better side, it was France that took the lead when Rene Courbin drew first blood on the half-hour mark.
India soon had a chance to draw level when Gunnar Dahlner, the Swedish referee, pointed to the spot just before the break. Sailen Manna stepped up for the spot-kick but failed to make the penalty-kick count, as his effort sailed way over the bar. However, India was granted another chance minutes later with a second penalty. This time it was Mahabir Prasad, who took the responsibility but once again India was denied after France Goalkeeper Guy Rouxel pulled off a brilliant save.
France goalkeeper G. Rouxel (right) saves from India’s Raman (centre) (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)
Despite missing two penalties, India continued to attack in search of the equalizer and they were finally rewarded in the 70th minute. In a well played move, Ahmed khan combined well with substitute B Vajravelu, as the latter provided the final assist for Sarangapani Raman for a final shot on goal to draw level. It was 1-1 and game on. However, back in those days Football in India was 70 minutes game. As a result, Indian players began tiring out in the already cold weather. France tried to take advantage of the depleting Indian energy but the defence held on bravely.
India goalkeeper Varadaraj makes a save during the match against France (Photo by PA Images via Getty Images)
However in the final minute of the game, the tiring Indian defence suffered a defensive lapse that led to French player Rene Persillon slotting home a winner for France. The game ended soon at 1-2 in favour of France and although the agonizing last minute winner from France meant India were out of the competition, the barefooted performances from Indians had managed to win the hearts of the 17000 strong crowd, who applauded the players’s effort.
Despite the first round exit for Indians, the match became a foundation for the India’s best footballing years. In the following decade India went on win gold in 1951 and 1962 Asian games while also coming 4th in Melbourne Olympics.
Also Read: I won’t miss any chance again – Rohmingthanga
For similar articles on unknown talented footballers – visit here
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
AIFF eyes major policy shifts for Indian Football, announces coaching vacancy
In a significant Executive Committee meeting held on July 2, 2025, under the leadership of AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey, the AIFF initiated discussions on several potentially transformative policy proposals. These…
Mumbai Super League 2025-26: Tentative Group Draws are Out
The countdown to the much-awaited Mumbai Football Season 2025-26 has officially begun, following the announcement of the tentative group stage draw for the Mumbai Super League. A total of 46…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers: India vs. Thailand – A Winner-Take-All Showdown!
The stage is set for a thrilling climax in Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, as India’s Blue Tigresses prepare to face Thailand’s Chabakaew in a…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The Quest for Redemption: Why Tomorrow’s India vs. Thailand clash transcends Qualification
As the clock ticks down to the monumental clash between India and Thailand in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, the air is thick with anticipation. This isn’t just…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
India Dominates Iraq with a resounding 5-0 win in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers
India delivered a dominant performance, securing a commanding 5-0 win against Iraq in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers Group B encounter. This impressive win marks India’s third consecutive triumph…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
India ease past Timor-Leste in AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers
The Indian senior women’s team continued their emphatic run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers with a commanding 4-0 victory against Timor-Leste at the 700th Anniversary of Chiang…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
The raw talent of Priyadharshini Selladurai: From paddy fields of Thiruvarur to Thailand
‘Raw talent’ is how coach Crispin Chettri defines Priyadharshini Selladurai, the Indian women’s national team’s newest goalscorer. As a loose ball landed right in front of her feet just inside…
AFC Women’s Asian Cup / Indian Women’s Football Team / Women Football
Crispin Chettri targets improved first-half performances as race to AFC Women’s Asian Cup heats up
Group B of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers has almost turned into a two-horse race after Matchday 3 as India and Thailand are level on six points, with…
AFC Women’s Champions League 2024-25: East Bengal FC drawn against clubs from Hong Kong, Cambodia
East Bengal FC were drawn alongside Kitchee SC (Hong Kong) and Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia) in Group E of the AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage, following the draw…
Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups
Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…
SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…
SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai
SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….
South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore
South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…
Corporate Football / MFA Elite Corporate League / Trials
Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign
Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…
India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season
The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…
MFA / Mumbai Super League / Trials
Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season
Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…
VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season
Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…
MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season
With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…
Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents
Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…