With proper guidance, Indian players can compete on the world stage: I.M. Vijayan

I.M. Vijayan's inspiring journey from humble beginnings to national stardom, highlighting his dedication to football and community support.

Indian football icon I.M. Vijayan’s journey is a testament to his hard work and dedication. From humble beginnings to national stardom, his story unfolds with remarkable twists and turns.

At a “Meet the Press” event organised by the Thrissur Press Club on Wednesday, Mr. Vijayan shared his journey. He began playing football seriously at the age of 17, joining the Kerala Police Football Club. His passion and talent soon took him to national and international arenas, making him a key player for the country.

“I was lucky to be trained by football legends like Chathunny Master at the beginning itself,” he recalled. His career saw him play against international teams, gaining invaluable experience along the way.

Despite all his success on the field, Vijayan never lost touch with the people who supported him throughout. He emphasised the importance of sports infrastructure, especially the role the government plays in providing jobs to the athletes. He believes Kerala has played a vital role in nurturing talent, and much of his success is attributed to the support of the State.

Mr. Vijayan has also ventured into cinema, where he acted in several Malayalam films. His cinematic career, however, never overshadowed his true love – football. Nurturing a dream to start a football academy, Mr. Vijayan remains committed to supporting the future of Indian football. He firmly believes that through proper guidance and opportunities, players in India can compete on the world stage.

He expressed his gratitude and pride at being selected for the Padma award in recognition of his contributions to football. “It’s a dream come true after a long wait,” he said. Reflecting on his long career, Vijayan said the love and respect of his fans and the football community had been his biggest rewards.

He attributes much of his success to the support of his wife and mother. He said his career in football reached even greater heights after his marriage. Mr. Vijayan had won Arjuna Award and national award for best player thrice.