Indian football legend I. Arumainayagam was conferred the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Tuesday, 18 August 2025, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian football as a player and his continued service to the sport after retirement. All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey called the honour a 'matter of great pride' for Indian football.

A Career Rooted in India's Golden Football Era

A pacy winger known for his speed and finishing, Arumainayagam made his international debut against Thailand on 28 August 1962 at the Asian Games in Jakarta. He went on to earn 18 international caps for India, scoring three goals. His most celebrated moment came as part of the Indian squad that clinched the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games — widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the history of Indian football.

Beyond Jakarta, Arumainayagam represented India at the 1964 AFC Asian Cup, where the team finished runners-up, and at the Merdeka Cup in 1966 and 1967. India secured third place at the 1966 edition of the tournament.

Club and Domestic Honours

At club level, Arumainayagam spent eight years with Mohun Bagan — from 1961 to 1968 — scoring an impressive 56 goals. During that period, he won the Calcutta Football League four times (1962, 1963, 1964, and 1965), the IFA Shield in 1961 and 1962, the Durand Cup in 1963, 1964, and 1965, and the Rovers Cup in 1966. He later represented Southern Railway in 1969 and 1970.

In the Santosh Trophy, Arumainayagam turned out for Madras/Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and Railways between 1958 and 1971, and was part of Bengal's title-winning side in 1962. He was also awarded the prestigious Mohun Bagan Ratna in 2014.

What AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey Said

AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey extended his congratulations, stating: 'It is a matter of great pride for Indian football that Shri I. Arumainayagam has been recognised with the Arjuna Award (Lifetime). He was an integral part of the Indian team that achieved the historic 1962 Asian Games triumph, a moment that continues to hold a special place in our footballing history. This honour recognises not only his achievements as a player, but also his enduring contribution to Indian football. On behalf of the AIFF, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on this well-deserved recognition.'

About the Arjuna Award (Lifetime)

The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) is conferred by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to honour sportspersons who have made significant contributions through their competitive performances and have continued promoting sport after retiring from active play. Arumainayagam's recognition adds a national distinction to a career that helped define Indian football's most celebrated decade. His journey — from the football grounds of Madras to the podium in Jakarta — stands as a reminder of how far Indian football once reached, and what it is capable of again.