March 03

Born in 1825 in Japan, Shiranui Kōemon rose through the banzuke ranks to achieve the prestigious yokozuna rank. Known for his powerful pushing and thrusting style, he was celebrated for his athleticism and technique. His ring name, 'Shiranui,' became synonymous with dynamism and strength. He held his yokozuna license during the late Edo period and was revered by fans and fellow wrestlers alike. After retiring from competition, he mentored younger sumo wrestlers and helped preserve traditional ceremonies. He died in 1879, remembered as one of the era's most formidable yokozuna.

John Montgomery Ward (1860–1925) was a versatile baseball star, excelling as both a pitcher and a shortstop in the late 19th century. He debuted with the Providence Grays at age 19, winning 47 games in his rookie season—the most ever by a teenager. Ward authored one of the first instructional baseball guides, 'Base-ball: How to Become a Player,' in 1887. He championed players’ rights by founding the Brotherhood of Professional Base Ball Players in 1885. In 1890, he helped establish the Players’ League to challenge the reserve clause and unfair labor practices. After retiring as a player, Ward managed the New York Giants and remained influential in baseball strategy. He is remembered as a pioneer in both athletic achievement and labor advocacy within professional sports.

Maurice Garin (1871–1957) was a pioneering cyclist who won the very first Tour de France in 1903. Born in Italy and later taking French citizenship, he had already claimed victory at Paris–Roubaix in 1897. Garin dominated the early Tour, winning three of the six stages and securing an 18-hour overall lead. In 1904, he was controversially disqualified after accusations of taking illegal shortcuts. Despite the setback, his achievements inspired the growth of competitive road cycling in Europe. After retiring from racing, Garin ran a café in Lens and remained a local sporting hero.

Julius Boros was born in Chicago in 1920 and became one of golf's oldest major winners. He won the U.S. Open in 1952 and the PGA Championship in 1963. Boros was known for his smooth swing and calm demeanor under pressure. Alongside golf, he maintained a career as an accountant. He was a three-time PGA Player of the Year and a respected figure on the tour for decades. Boros remained active in the game through senior events until his death in 1994, leaving a record as one of golf's most consistent performers.

Nándor Hidegkuti was born in 1922 in Budapest and became a pioneering footballer known for his deep-lying centre-forward role. He played a crucial part in the Hungarian Golden Team, scoring a hat-trick against England at Wembley in 1953. Hidegkuti won Olympic gold in 1952 and reached the World Cup final in 1954. After his playing career, he managed several clubs, including AEK Athens and MTK Budapest. His tactical innovation influenced modern football formations. Hidegkuti passed away in 2002, remembered as one of the sport's early innovators.

Roy Fisher (born 1932) is an Australian former rugby league footballer who played as a winger in the New South Wales Rugby Football League during the 1950s. Renowned for his speed and agility, Fisher scored numerous tries and became a key member of his club’s attack. He competed against some of the era’s toughest defenses and helped popularize the sport in post-war Australia. Fisher’s athleticism and dedication to the game earned him respect among teammates and opponents alike. After retiring from playing, he remained involved in the rugby league community at a grassroots level.

Born in Sydney, Anderson emerged on the international tennis scene in the mid-1950s. He captured the U.S. Championships title in 1957, defeating Ashley Cooper in a thrilling final. Known for his powerful serve and aggressive net play, he achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 2. Anderson also reached the Australian Championships final on three occasions. He represented Australia in the Davis Cup, contributing to the team's victories. After turning professional, he continued to compete on the tour and later coached emerging players.

Born in Secunderabad, Jaisimha was celebrated for his graceful strokeplay and crafty leg-spin. He made his Test debut for India in 1959 and scored over 400 runs in international cricket. At the domestic level, he represented Hyderabad for over two decades, leading them to multiple Ranji Trophy finals. Known as 'Student', he combined finesse batting with occasional off-break bowling. After retiring, he served as a selector for the Indian cricket team and mentored young players. His elegant style and sportsmanship remain fondly remembered by cricket enthusiasts.

William 'Willie' Wise is a retired American basketball player who starred as a forward in the American Basketball Association (ABA). Following a standout college career, he was selected by the Denver Rockets in the 1968 ABA draft. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Wise earned multiple ABA All-Star honors in the early 1970s. He helped lead the Utah Stars to the 1971 ABA championship, forming a dynamic duo with teammate Zelmo Beaty. Wise was respected for averaging double figures in both scoring and rebounding throughout his career. After retiring in 1976, he remained active in basketball through coaching and community outreach. He is remembered as one of the ABA’s pioneering talents who helped popularize the league.

Jesse Jefferson was an American professional baseball pitcher active in the early 1970s. He debuted with the Chicago White Sox in 1970 and later played for the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Indians. Jefferson was known for his powerful fastball and tenacity on the mound, serving in both starting and relief roles. After leaving Major League Baseball in 1973, he continued to play in the minor leagues and contributed to youth baseball camps. Jefferson’s career was marked by his competitive drive and his mentorship of younger players. He passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to the sport.

Andy Murray is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former NHL defenseman. Born in Kingston, Ontario in 1951, he was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1971 NHL Draft. Murray played over 400 games in the NHL with teams like the Chicago Blackhawks and Los Angeles Kings. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching and served as head coach of the St. Louis Blues from 1996 to 2004. He later worked as an assistant coach for the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens, contributing to several playoff runs. Known for his strategic acumen and leadership, Murray has made a lasting impact on professional hockey. He continues to mentor players and share his expertise in the sport.

Zico, born Arthur Antunes Coimbra in 1953, is a Brazilian football legend celebrated for his creative playmaking. He rose to fame with Flamengo, leading the club to national and continental titles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Renowned for his vision, dribbling ability, and free-kick mastery, he scored over 500 career goals. Zico earned more than 70 caps for Brazil and starred in the memorable 1982 World Cup squad. After retiring as a player, he coached clubs in Japan, Turkey, and Iraq, and managed the Japanese national team. He also served as technical director for the Brazilian national team and remains influential in global football. His impact on and off the pitch has solidified his status as an icon of the sport.