Maidaan

India suffer a crushing 10-1 defeat to Yugoslavia in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. The All India Football Federation blames coach Syed Abdul Rahim for the dismal performance. Rahim seeks permission to form a new national side with fresh players, and the federation grants him support to scout across the country. He begins assembling a squad from Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Calcutta, while Roy Choudhary resents the lack of Calcutta representation.

An Australian player insults Neville D'Souza, forcing him to tie his shoes before the match. D'Souza delivers a superb hat-trick, helping India to a decisive 7-1 victory. India finishes fourth at the Melbourne Olympics. Concurrently, Roy Choudhary and Subhankar plot Rahim's removal and the rise of Subhankar as federation president.

Off the field, Roy Choudhary and Subhankar oppose Rahim, planning to remove him from the federation and install Subhankar as President. Their maneuvering reflects the internal politics of Indian football at the time. Rahim remains focused on rebuilding the team amid growing opposition.

In the 1960 Rome Olympics, India draws France 1-1, and Rahim is dismissed as coach for underperformance. Around the same time, Rahim learns he has lung cancer from years of smoking. He resolves to spend his remaining days with his family, but asks the federation to let him coach again, promising retirement if gold isn’t won. Subhankar initially resists, but the federation eventually votes to reinstate him.

The Indian team prepares for the Jakarta Asian Games, but the Finance Ministry refuses funds due to insufficient money. Rahim personally speaks with Finance Minister Morarji Desai and secures permission for only 16 players to travel. He excludes several players, including his own son Hakim, to meet the limit.

In Jakarta, goalkeeper Thangaraj is injured before the first match and is replaced by Pradyut Barman, weakening the defense. In the opening game, India loses to South Korea and teammates blame one another for the defeat. Rahim begins to refocus the squad on fundamentals to regroup.

Rahim emphasizes formation and coordination, urging the players to play as a connected unit. In the next match against Thailand, Jarnail Singh is gravely injured by an opponent, and Rahim instructs the team 'to make them pay for it' with more aggressive play. India earns a 4-1 victory and regains momentum.

An Indian diplomat publicly criticizes the decision not to allow Israel and Taiwan to participate, provoking anger among Indonesians and sparking protests. The controversy adds pressure on the Indian team and national authorities. Rahim and his players must navigate both sport and politics on the ground.

On the day of the final against South Korea, the team bus is attacked by protesters and the military is brought in for security. Rahim's health deteriorates and he begins coughing up blood, yet he delivers an inspiring speech to motivate the squad. Roy Choudhary experiences a change of heart and begins supporting the team.

Thangaraj and Jarnail Singh rejoin the team for the decisive match, reuniting key players after setbacks and injuries. The squad pulls together under Rahim's leadership to face the challenge. The atmosphere is tense, but determination drives the performance.

The Indian team defeats South Korea 2-1 in the final, clinching India’s only gold medal in football at the Asian Games. The players overcome injuries, political pressure, and logistical hurdles to achieve a historic victory. Rahim's vision and perseverance are celebrated as the team achieves a landmark triumph.