Suk Bahadur : Captain of Burma Football Team (1952-1970)

Suk Bahadur Rai is a Burmese footballer who served as the captain of Myanmar national football team (1952-1970). He is considered as the greatest Burmese footballer that ever lived for the tremendous success he brought to country's football. Bahadur played as the striker and his ability to carve apart defenses in his days earned Burma the status as one of the continent's most-feared football sides. During his time, Burmese football team won a series of continental and regional trophies what is now considered as the golden age. Bahadur also served as the major for 4th Infantry Battalion (4th Gurkha) of Myanmar Army. He was also a dominating tennis and field hockey player as well as the national 100-meter sprint champion which he held under 11 seconds. Bahadur is Gurkha from Shan state of Myanmar. Private Aung San Thuriya Suk Bahdur Rai was the only Gurkha to have received Aung San Thuriya medal.

He was awarded this highest and most prestigious award for gallantry and bravery in the face of enemy that can be awarded to members of the Myanmar Armed Forces in 1951. He won the award for his brave actions in the raid against Kuomintang (KMT) insurgents on Battle of Tachileik Highway in Myanmar. In1952, Myanmar Football Federation launched inaugural States and Divisions Football Championship to draw out talented footballers from around the country. Along with many new faces, Bahadur was selected from title winning Shan state football team. Later he played for Army football team where he teamed up with future national teammates; Hla Maung, Ba Kyu, Maung Thaung, Hla Aye, Guan Shein, Ba Shwe, David Kyaw San.Bahadur is married to Khin Than Myint. An almost religious aura still surrounds Myanmar’s greatest ever footballing talent, the legendary striker Suk Bahadur.

The following is a list of championships achieved during his captaincy.

• Asian Games: 1966, 1970 (co-champion with South Korea)
• SEA Games: 1965 (with Thailand), 1967, 1969
• Merdeka Cup: 1964, 1967 (with South Korea)