Maidaan Ending Explained – Did the Indian Soccer Squad Make It to the Asian Games?

By David Hill On Apr 15, 2024

Amit Ravindernath Sharma is co-writer and director of the 2024 Indian Hindi-language biographical sports drama film Maidaan (transl. Field), which is produced by Zee Studios, Akash Chawla, Arunava Joy Sengupta, and Boney Kapoor. Sports action from ReelSports and Rob Miller. In the film, Ajay Devgn portrays Syed Abdul Rahim, an innovative football coach in India from 1952 to 1962.

On April 10, 2024, the film’s previews were revealed. On April 11, 2024, which was Eid, the movie was theatrically distributed globally.

Maidaan Ending: Did the Indian Soccer Squad Make it to the Asian Games?

Maidaan then advances to 1962, during which time India is making preparations for an Olympic match that is scheduled to take place in Jakarta. As soon as it is disclosed, however, that the Indian team will not be participating that year due to the withdrawal of government funding.

Roy discloses to Rahim that he devised the scheme and influenced the officials to withdraw the funds as a retaliatory move against Rahim. Rahim, disheartened, approaches the then-finance minister, Morarji Desai, in the hopes of securing permission to dispatch the team to the game.

Peter Thangaraj, the highest player and goalkeeper for the Indian team, sustains a foot injury just prior to the match and is subsequently ruled out of action. As a consequence, India is defeated in its opening match against South Korea.

After numerous setbacks, they advance to the finals, where they will encounter South Korea once more. Surprisingly, India triumphs over South Korea and is awarded the gold medal at the Asian Games. Maidaan concludes with the raising of the Indian flag on foreign soil, a momentous historical moment.

Maidaan, Where Did Rahim Locate Tulsidas Balram?

Rahim encounters a boy playing football in Secunderabad who is probably between the ages of 18 and 19. He realizes that the youngster possesses enormous talent and employs incredible techniques during the game. However, he realizes that, despite the boy’s enormous talent, he lacks stamina and becomes weary easily.

Rahim approaches the young child and asks him his name, to which he replies, Tulsidas Balram. Rahim quickly asks Tulsidas whether he would play for India, to which he accepts, and Rahim locates his first player. Soon after, Rahim visits various state teams to seek players. This is where he meets PK Banerjee, another outstanding player from West Bengal. Rahim instantly recruits him as well.

In four years, Rahim has effectively assembled a roster of great footballers from around India. The Indian squad was ready to compete in the 1956 Summer Olympics, which were held in Melbourne, Australia. Team India did not win, but they were able to finish fourth, garnering respect and recognition.

Another few years pass, and the Indian team grows stronger with the addition of newer players. In the 1960s Olympics, India competed against France, one of the best football teams of the time. Despite a magnificent showing, India draws with France and eventually loses. However, this time, their talent and performance were clearly evident.

Why Did the Federation Fire Coach Rahim?

The subsequent federation meeting will feature Coach Rahim at the abacus. Roy Chaudhary, a journalist, and Shubhankar Sen conspire to incite the other members to oppose Rahim. Rahim is questioned as to why, after years of training, the team has failed to secure any victories. Rahim is dismissed for his futile attempts to reason with them.

As soon as Rahim receives a cancer diagnosis, he makes it a priority to spend the remaining time with his family. Following a few months, his spouse, Saira, articulated their mutual aspiration to observe India secure a gold medal. Rahim was compelled by Saira to muster the courage to pursue his ambition one last time; she begged him to return to coaching the Indian team.

Although cognizant of the animosity that awaited him under the leadership of Shubhankar Sen, he heeded his wife’s counsel and resolved to once more pursue his aspirations. Sen mistreated Rahim, disregarding him as if he were inconsequential. Yet Rahim persisted in his efforts. He sought assistance from the former chairman of the federation, and fortunately, after some persuasion, he was reinstated as the Indian football team’s coach.