Published: August 11, 2026 at 10:11 pm
Secunderabad’s Anglo-Indian and Parsi sporting community legends were truly rich in culture and always full of life. Whenever they were around there was never a dull moment. There always dwelt an enigmatic, ethereal charm within the well-sculpted, handsome young men and the spirited, alluring maidens of the near-vanishing Anglo-Indian tapestry.
Sports did not merely capture their interest; it throbbed like a vital pulse within their very veins, propelling them to heights of unparalleled excellence where they manifested their raw mettle in no uncertain terms. The vibrant ambience of Lallaguda and Mettuguda served as the heart throbs of this joyous, radiant collective.
The hallowed Lallaguda workshop stadium transformed into the ultimate rendezvous for these pugilistic spectacles
Those were indeed the days one never loved to end. In the chapters of yesteryear’s, the patriarchs of the community pledged their devotion predominantly to the iron whims of the Railways, while the matriarchs graced the noble realms of nursing, pedagogy, and secretarial artistry. In these sacred callings, they bloomed with rare sincerity and unwavering dedication; indeed, Anglo-Indian mistresses of the Montessori and kindergarten spheres were treasures fiercely sought after yet seldom found.
Railways absorbed many an Anglo-Indian athlete
Following their scholastic dawns, a multitude of young men readily surrendered to the embrace of the Railways, finding a dignified sanctuary within the ubiquitous, sun-dappled Railway colony quarters of Secunderabad. This beautiful lineage endured gracefully until the twilight of the 1970s, a golden epoch when many a gifted Anglo-Indian athlete was absorbed into the proud echelons of the Railways, the vigilant ranks of the Police, and the gallant folds of the Army.
If the legendary Trevor brothers, the Clarkes, the Turners, the Hookens, and the Nugeruiero siblings were hailed as the top-drawer titans of the cycling track, it was names like Denzil Wates, Leon Andrews, Paul Fernandez, Herbert Pearce, Franswah, Erik Rodrigues, Cyrus McDonald, and Jude Michael who reigned supreme in the fierce poetry of the boxing ring.
Maxwell Trevor was a top-notch cyclist, who represented the country, and now is giving back to the sport by teaching the nuances to upcoming pedallists. He is actively involved in the promotion of cycling among youngsters, while playing a key role in the cycling association.
Noel Carr with former India cricket captain Mohd Azharuddin
The hallowed Lallaguda workshop stadium transformed into the ultimate rendezvous for these pugilistic spectacles. To this theater of grit, not only did the local Anglo-Indian souls flock, but ardent aficionados journeyed from far and wide, drawn by the siren song of such courageous bouts.
Lords of the Ring: Erstwhile Andhra Pradesh’s golden era of boxing
The air on those evenings was made delightfully electric by the pithy, sharp-witted commentary of the spectators, among whom the passionate voices of women rang out with equal fervor. Those were the halcyon days that witnessed the absolute zenith of boxing in the then-united realm of Andhra Pradesh. Whether contested within the grand amphitheaters of the Nationals at the Fateh Maidan indoor stadium or beneath the sky at the Lal Bahadur Stadium, the sheer popularity of the sport found its truest, most intoxicating crescendo at Lallaguda.
At the helm of this athletic renaissance stood Alfie D’silva, a fiercely devoted and uncompromising taskmaster of a coach. Discipline was his sacred banner, and his rigorous training regimens at the Gymkhana and Railway Grounds were orchestrated under a gaze of meticulous supervision.
Sandra Braganza with the Marredpally girls’ cricket team. Pic: Facebook
Under his tutelage blossomed exceptionally gifted pugilists, including Saleem Siddiqui, the formidable southpaw Md Ibrahim Chote Miya, the resolute Ram Mohan, the dexterous M Venkatesan and Zareer Vasaigara — the fleet-footed, scientific Parsi master of the ring.
Alfie eventually journeyed to the distant shores of Auckland for the Commonwealth Games, serving with distinction as an official with the Indian boxing contingent and returning laden with a treasury of rich memories.
Alongside him in this noble pursuit stood AM Andrews, a stalwart of the APSRTC and a steadfast ring official, who shared the squared circle with the jovial Carlton Reay and the esteemed Ralph Mills.
Yet, if the sweet science of boxing was woven into the fabric of their souls, these spirited Anglo-Indian youths were equally magnificent beneath the willow-crested canopies of cricket. Luminaries such as Noel David, Noel Carr, Sandra Braganza, Milton Balm, Keith Ross, Peter Rowe, Terence Moss, Stenson Reid, Noel Michael, Lyn Edwards, Conrad Fruval, Ivan Reay, and Percy Vowels, to name but a cherished few, carved their own immortal niches into the timeless, elegant chronicles of the gentleman’s sport.
Gerard Carr was a media manager of HCA for two years and before that was the soul of Sacred Heart Club along with Alroy and the others. Gerard Carr’s other talent which he is exploring in no uncertain terms is wildlife photography. These brothers are now exploiting their hidden talents. Noel is now into sketching his thoughts and creativity with colourful crayons. This is their true inspiring other side.
Sandra Braganza and Manimala Singhal. Pic: Facebook
Atlanta Olympian Alloysius Edward’s did his fraternity proud coming up the hard yet effervescent way. Later he did a few coaching stints grooming some talented youngsters. Keeping the goalpost was a tough job. But he did it selflessly and with devotion.
Women’s cricket’s first star from the city community was Sandra Braganza a highly talented exponent of batting and off spin. Sandra was the first women cricketer from the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh to don the Indian team jersey. She appeared in six Test matches and nine One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India between 1984 and 1993, as well as appearing in 11 ODIs for International XI at the 1982 World Cup.
Sandra Braganza, one of those rare Indian cricketers who represented two national teams, India (1984-1993) and Int’l XI (1982) with Manimala Singhal (1986-1991) played for Balmain CC in the Sydney women’s cricket league of 1991 season. She played domestic cricket for Andhra Pradesh and Railways.
Donna Nazareth was another sharp and athletic woman cricketer, who rose high too.
Denzil Balm was first to start a cricket camp at All Saints’ High School in Abids. Conrad, who was an elegant batter, had represented the Indian Schools before he migrated to Australia. Former India captain Mohd Azharuddin and India player Noel David were among the many cricketers who came out of All Saints’ High School.
Noel David and Denzil Balm with other cricketers and the principal of All Saints’ High School
Lyn was a burly pacer played for State Bank of Hyderabad before going Down Under.
Parsi flavour enriched sporting culture
The Parsis were also a sporting lot. If Edulji Aibara was the doyen of city cricket, Sorabjee Mehta, father of the unlucky Noshir Mehta, who did not get a chance to don the country’s colours, were top stars in the sport.
Edulji, Sorabjee Mehta and F Toorkey were the distinguished Parsi members of the Hyderabad team which won the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 1937-38 beating Nawanagar in a thrilling finish. Aibara was the hero of that game scoring a delightful 137. Once he hung his flannels, he took up coaching and then saw his cousin Noshir Mehta represent Hyderabad.
Gusti Noria was a top-drawer shooter from the Parsi community
Gusti Noria was a top-drawer shooter from this community. Kynan Chenai also shone brightly on the various ranges. Motor sports saw the likes of Pestonjee and Vicajee steal the show in different rallies across the country. Rohington, Sharukh Driver, Cyrus Irani, Percy Daver showed their skills in table tennis, martial arts softball and cricket.
Cyrus played cricket, softball and hockey before becoming a horse owner. Wadia brothers Zareer and Neville dabbled in a bit of cricket. Vispy and Behram too were good sportsmen. The veteran Keki Nanavati was always at athletic meets on a vintage motor bike. with channa (gram) in his pocket. He would give it to whoever he met at the venue. The Zoroastrian Club conducted inter-state Parsi cricket tournaments. The club also had a tennis club where youngsters trained every day.
List of the Anglo sportspersons who represented AP and India:
Cycling: Trevor brothers (Glen, Maxwell, Kevin, Dick), Richard Clarke, Christopher Clarke, Keith Hookens, Preston Tully, Russel Turner, Kendal Turner, Mario Farquarson, Christopher Nougerio.
Boxing: Late Ralph Mills, Alphy D’Silva, Herbert Pearce, Denzil Wates, Erol Rodrigues, Cyrus McDonald, Jude Michael.
Kynan Chenai also shone brightly on the various ranges
Snooker: Andre Thompson, Evian and Joe Johnson, SMH Murray.
Cricket: Noel Carr, Milton Balm, Peter Rowe, Terence Moss, Stenson Reid, Noel Michael, Lyn Edwards, Conrad Fruval, Percy Vowels, Leonel Justin, Sandra Braganza.
Basketball: Charmaine Francis, Dollar Studden, Gloria, Maureen, Vernon Rodrigues.
Hockey: Alloysius Edward.
Some other notable sportspersons were Noel David, Vincy Augustus, Ian Paul, Denzil Balm, Leonard Augustus, Freddie Besterwitch, Gordon Besterwitch, Adrian Gay (all from Hyderabad), Phillip Francis (Sacred Heart), Peter Tully (Warner’s) and Newton Studden, Gerard D’Souza (Railways), Russel Michael, Richard Michael, Donald Haywards (Sifco), Moss brothers (all cricketers). Late Peter Gabell (Arm Wrestling), Richard Cooke (Railways).
