IT has been 20 years since a witty footballer had livened up the fans during the 2001 FANCA Muslim tournament.
Talat Khan, as vivacious he is, he’s aptly remembered for the closing ceremony song that stirred up FANCA emotions.
The veteran footballer was part of the Fiji veteran team’s tour to Canada and after having entertained people after games and during party functions, was coaxed into singing during the closing ceremonies.
Without skipping a breath, he walked up to a backdrop of cheering fans at the Town Centre Stadium in Coquitlam.
The rousing rendition of the 1964 Bollywood hit song “Lag Ja Gale Ki Phir Ye Hasin Raat Ho Na Ho Shayed Phir Is Janam Mein Mulakat Ho Na Ho”, translation, (Embrace one another for one last time as this beautiful night may or may not repeat again), hit all nerves.
His full-throated song teared up many on every chord of the lyrics.
The song selection could not have suited the occasion any better, as fans, players, and management at pitch side embraced each other for one last time, the mood was solace and was it ever a fitting end to the 2001 FANCA tournament.
FANCA Canada organizing committee chairman, Azad Khan and British Columbia Muslim Sports Association president, Chris Khan (lates), who had worked tirelessly with their working committee in hosting the event were visibly emotional, they consoled each other at grand-stand side.
The duo was overwhelmed with the heartfelt tribute to the event.
The host nation Canada won its first FANCA grandeur finale 1-0, in a thrilling match against New Zealand.
Najim Zico was the hero of the final.
But the tournament’s epic moment was the farewell song sung by the witty footballer.
And the euphoria of which is being relieved 20 years on, (2001-2021).
