SSC GD 2026 PYQ — Question 30

SSC GD Constable - 29 April 2026 - Shift 2 • General Awareness • Q30

When did India's men's national football team last qualify for the Olympic Games?

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B

Explanation

Correct Answer:

1960

Explanation:

India's men's national football team last qualified for the Olympic Games in the year 1960, which were held in Rome, Italy. This era is widely considered the "golden age" of Indian football, particularly under the legendary coach Syed Abdul Rahim. At the 1960 Rome Olympics, India put up a stellar performance in a tough group, holding the formidable French team to a 1–1 draw (with T.K.S. Muthu scoring India's historic goal) and narrowly losing to Hungary and Peru.

Key Points:

• India previously achieved its best-ever Olympic finish in football at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where they finished fourth under captain S.K. Azizuddin and coach Syed Abdul Rahim.

• In the 1956 Games, India defeated Australia 4–2, featuring a historic hat-trick by Neville D'Souza.

• Since 1960, the Indian men's football team has not managed to qualify for the Olympic Games.

Important Questions and Answers:

Question: In which city were the 1960 Olympic Games held, where the Indian football team last qualified?

Answer: Rome, Italy.

Question: Who was the coach of the Indian football team during its golden era in the 1950s and 1960s?

Answer: Syed Abdul Rahim.