AIFF recommends I.M. Vijayan for Padma Shri

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has recommended former skipper I.M. Vijayan for Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award.

Published : Jun 17, 2020 14:03 IST , New Delhi

I.M. Vijayan was awarded the Arjuna award in 2003.
I.M. Vijayan was awarded the Arjuna award in 2003.
lightbox-info

I.M. Vijayan was awarded the Arjuna award in 2003.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has recommended former skipper I.M. Vijayan for Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award.

The 51-year-old former India striker, who has scored 40 goals in 79 matches for India since making his debut in early 90s.

READ: I.M Vijayan: Asked Ashique and Sahal to learn from Chhetri

He was awarded the Arjuna award in 2003. He was also awarded the Indian ‘Player of the Year’ in 1993, 1997 and 1999.

Confirming the news of his nomination for the prestigious award, AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said: “Yes, we have sent Vijayan’s name to the Ministry of Home Affairs for Padma Shri.”

Vijayan, who led Indian team from 2000 to 2004, used to form a formidable pair with fellow striker Bhaichung Bhutia.

READ: I. M. Vijayan: "Sad we don't produce players like PK, Krishanu any more"

At the club level, he had memorable stints with Mohun Bagan, Kerala Police, now defunct FC Cochin and JCT Mills Phagwara.

He is credited to have scored one of the fastest international goals, managing to find the back of the net in just 12 seconds in a match against Bhutan in the 1999 SAF Games.

He had scored four goals to emerge as the top scorer in the Afro-Asian Games held in India in 2003. It was his last appearance for the country as he retired after the tournament.

Vijayan, who used to sell soda during football games in his home town Thrissur’s Corporation stadium early in his life, begun his career as a striker with the Kerala Police Football Club at the age of 17.

After hanging up his boots, Vijayan had set up a football academy to train young players in his home town.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment