IM Vijayan Honors Indian Football Fans with Padma Shri Dedication

Key Takeaways

Vijayan dedicates his award to fans.
Ninth Indian footballer to receive Padma Shri.
Calls from various dignitaries followed the award announcement.
Hope to inspire youth to pursue football.
Record holder for fastest hat-trick in Indian football.

New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Former captain Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, who was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri Award, has dedicated this esteemed civilian recognition to the ardent football supporters of India.

Vijayan becomes the ninth Indian footballer to receive the Padma Shri, following in the footsteps of legends such as Gostho Paul, Sailen Manna, Chuni Goswami, PK Banerjee, Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri, Bembem Devi, and Brahmanand Sankhwalkar.

The announcement of the awards was made late on Saturday evening, leading to an influx of congratulatory calls for Vijayan from the Chief Minister and Sports Minister of Kerala, notable politicians, government officials, top football executives, current and former players, and friends.

Amidst the accolades and recognition, the celebrated forward of the 1990s has not forgotten the fans who brave the elements daily to support their beloved sport.

“I dedicate my award to every football fan in the country. What I am today is because of them,” Vijayan stated in an interview with the-aiff.com. “I may not know how skilled I was as a player, but the affection I received from the fans is the greatest achievement of my career. They are the ones who have elevated the beautiful game to such heights,” he added, having represented India 88 times and scoring 39 goals.

“Yes, I am thrilled, exceedingly thrilled. It is fulfilling when your contributions are acknowledged. I’m uncertain how this award will impact Indian football, but I hope it inspires youth across the country to take up the sport. If that occurs, it would bring me immense joy,” said the striker, who was once the darling of Indian football.

Beginning his national team career in January 1991 against Romania during the Nehru Cup in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Vijayan was a mainstay for the team for over a decade. By the time he retired after the Afro-Asian Games final in Hyderabad in October 2003, he had become a legendary figure in Indian football.

Alongside Bhaichung Bhutia, he formed a formidable attacking partnership that intimidated many defenses.

The Padma Shri award adds to his illustrious career. Vijayan holds the record for India's fastest hat-trick in international football (against Pakistan, 1999 SAF Games), has been named AIFF Player of the Year three times (1992, 1997, 2000), and was awarded the prestigious Arjuna award in 2003.