Reported by: Laxman Sharma
Digboi: The death of former footballer and retired Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) employee Mohammad Imtiaz Hussain (70) has brought back memories of one of Assam’s notable sporting families, whose legacy in football and athletics continues to be remembered in Digboi in Upper Assam.
Speaking to North East Now on Saturday at the Digboi Journalist Union office, retired Assam Oil Division (AOD) employee Nasir Neog paid tribute to his late brother-in-law and to family patriarch and legendary footballer Mirza Jamal Hussain, popularly known as “Phool”.
Neog said the younger generation of players and sports enthusiasts should take efforts to document and preserve the legacy of Mirza Jamal Hussain, describing him as an iconic defender and an important figure in Assam’s football history.
“Mirza Jamal Hussain ‘Phool’ was not just a great footballer. He was a legend and an integral part of Digboi’s identity,” Neog said, urging youth to learn about his contributions and preserve his story for future generations.
He also cited documentary references from the Assamese book (Assam Football: Its History and Development) by Lokeshwar Gogoi, published by Natun Asom, Bamunimaidam, Guwahati. Neog pointed out that on page 215 of the book, Mirza Jamal Hussain is mentioned for his pioneering role in the development of football in Assam, underscoring his historical importance in the sport.
Mohammad Imtiaz Hussain, who passed away on April 28 following a prolonged age-related illness, was himself a footballer, athlete and cricketer. A retired employee of the Digboi Refinery Maintenance Department, he superannuated in 2016 and remained active in the local sporting community. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter and other family members.
Neog said sporting talent ran deep in the Hussain family. Imtiaz Hussain was the son of Mirza Jamal Hussain, while his brother Iftikar Hussain was a noted athlete in Digboi and later joined IOCL under the sports quota. He said the family’s achievements reflect Digboi’s strong sporting culture.
“This family has produced some of Digboi’s finest sportspersons,” Neog said, adding that their contribution remains a matter of pride for the town.
Born in 1924 in Jorhat, Mirza Jamal Hussain was regarded as one of Assam’s finest defenders. He represented Kohinoor Club, Maharana Club, Assam Oil Company, Dibrugarh district and the Assam state team. Known for his versatility as a right-back and left-back, he was widely respected for his tackling ability, long-range shooting and set-piece skills.
A key milestone in his career came in 1953 when he captained the Dibrugarh district team to victory in the Inter-District Football Championship. He retired from service in 1983 and was later awarded a sports pension by the Assam government in 1990 in recognition of his contribution to sports. He passed away in Digboi on September 29, 1996.
Neog said Digboi’s identity is shaped not only by its industrial significance as the home of Asia’s oldest operating oil refinery but also by its sporting legacy. “Digboi is known for producing exceptional sportspersons like Mirza Jamal Hussain,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of preserving such sporting histories to inspire future generations. The passing of Mohammad Imtiaz Hussain has drawn tributes from former refinery employees, athletes, footballers and members of the local community, as Digboi reflects on the enduring legacy of the Hussain family.