Syed Mohammad Hadi

Syed Mohammad (S.M.) Hadi (12 August 1899 – 14 July 1971, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India) was one of the most gifted pioneering athletes of India. He not only represented India in cricket and tennis, but was also proficient in field hockey, soccer, table tennis, chess, and polo. He was nicknamed "Rainbow Hadi" because of his expertise in these seven sports.

Hadi's father, Captain Syed Mohammed, was an officer in the Paigah army in Hyderabad State and died when Hadi was barely two years old. He was supported by the family of, Sir Asman Jah, the former Prime Minister of Hyderabad State, in the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad. He was raised alongside, Asman Jah's son Nawab Moin-Ud-Dowlah, who would become a leading patron of sports in Hyderabad.

Hadi learned horse riding and polo as a youth and played soccer for Nizam College. Recognizing their ward's exceptional athletic abilities, Asman Jah's family helped arrange for his studies in England.

As a tennis player Hadi burst on to the international scene while studying at Cambridge University where he studied at Peterhouse and worked hard to become a Cambridge Blue. He helped the Cambridge team score a series of victories against Oxford University and visiting American teams. He also earned university colors in field hockey, soccer, and table tennis.

...
Wikipedia