Education and the Turning Point
In 1965, while his football career was flourishing, Kalani was accepted into the medical program at university. This dual commitment reflected his lifelong dedication to both intellectual and athletic excellence. However, tragedy struck again that same year when he suffered another injury during a university tournament in Isfahan, which interrupted both his football and academic pursuits.
Despite these challenges, Kalani remained steadfast. His ability to balance education and sport became a model for future generations of Iranian athletes, many of whom saw in him proof that academic and athletic success could coexist. His last season with Shahin came in 1967, just before one of the most dramatic episodes in Iranian football history — the dissolution of the Shahin club.
The Fall of Shahin and the Birth of Paykan
In 1967, the Iranian Football Federation revoked Shahin’s license following a series of disputes between the club and football authorities. The decision shocked fans across the country; Shahin was not just a team but a social movement that represented youth culture, discipline, and education. Thousands of fans protested, and the players found themselves scattered among various clubs.
