Former Indian player I M Vijayan in Kochi.
| Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

Ace footballer and former Indian football team captain I.M. Vijayan has been chosen for the Padma Shri honour, the fourth highest civilian award after Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Bhushan. Padma Shri is given for distinguished service in any field.

One of the greatest Indian footballers, Mr. Vijayan is serving as the Assistant Commandant in the Malabar Special Police and is the director of the Kerala Police Football team.

A goal-scorer par excellence, Mr. Vijayan always remained a man exceedingly gentle and genial to all off the field.

Speaking to The Hindu, he said: “Albeit a bit late, the award is a recognition for me as a footballer. Although I had won many awards in the past, this award is a special one in my career. I have been practicing football since my childhood for the sheer love and passion that I have for this game. Even at this age, football is in my blood.”

Mr. Vijayan, who scored the fastest-ever international goal in a match against Bhutan in the 1999 SAF Games in 12 seconds, was the first football player from Kerala to win an Arjuna Award, and has been honoured as the Best Footballer of the Year in 1993, 1997. and 1999. He also led the national team in a number of tournaments such as Nehru Cup, Pre-Olympics, Pre-World Cup, SAAF Cup and SAF Games.

He has also acted in Malayalam and Tamil films. He debuted in films with the Malayalam movie Santham, directed by Jayaraj. The film received the national award for the best movie and has also won critical appreciation.