Hyderabad football legend DMK Afzal passes away at 81

Hyderabad: Legendary footballer Dost Mohammad Khan Afzal, also known as DMK Afzal, passed away on May 7, 2025, at the age of 81. A key figure in Hyderabad's football history, Afzal was a gold medallist at the 1962 Asian Games and played an important role in shaping the city's football legacy.

His funeral will take place today, May 8, 2025, at Choti Masjid, Muradnagar, Hyderabad. Afzal was coached by the renowned Syed Abdul Rahim, a pivotal figure in Indian football.

Afzal’s career spanned an era of greats in Indian football, including Chuni Goswami, PK Banerjee, and Peter Thangaraj. He also played for East Bengal, contributing significantly to the club’s success.

Afzal was a member of the Indian football team that won the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, under the guidance of Syed Abdul Rahim. The victory, including wins over Japan (2-0) and South Korea (2-1) in the final, remains one of the most memorable moments in Indian football.

Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, and the Sports Authority of Telangana staff expressed their condolences to Afzal’s family and friends.