History of Football in Visakhapatnam Railway Grounds
If you think Indian Football is limited to just the West Bengal and its neighbourhood, you are wrong. Football is one of the favorite sport of Vizagities. The first football match was organized at the now Police Barracks in the year 1888. Attili brothers and Suribabu were popular figures in those days. Suribabu won great recognition as being the first player from South India to represent Calcutta Club. He also represented the Mohan Bagan Athletic Club at the age of 23. Railway grounds was considered to be a major platform in creating many talented footballers who participated in National and International levels during mid 20th century. S.Varahalu and Appalaraju were popular figures in the sport from Railways in that era. S.Varahalu played several international matches and many prestigious domestic tournaments. He was honoured as Pearl of Andhra for his excellence. Appalaraju represented India in Olympics and played along with S.Varahalu in various tournaments In following generations, railways has produced talented players, like, Chinna Reddy, national footballer, Veeru Babu, International Railways Footballer from Visakhapatnam. Even now, several footballers of Visakhapatnam are part of Men and Women National teams in all categories. A nation wide popular Visakha Trophy Football tournament, was held in Railway football grounds in 1980s. to 90s. In which top national teams, like, West Bengal, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Salgaocar F.C., JCT, BNR etc have participated.