XtraTime Web Desk: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has decided to send legendary footballer IM Vijayan’s name for Padma Shri Award to the sports ministry, a top official has said. Regarded as one of the best footballers in the country, it will be another feather in the cap of the 51 year old Arjuna award winner.
Vijayan, who hails from Thrissur in Kerala has represented the country in 79 matches from 1992-2003 during which he scored 40 goals. He also led the country with dignity. Vijayan was also part of the victorious Indian team in the 1999 South Asian Football Federation Cup and scored one of the fastest international goals in history during the tournament, finding the back of the net against Bhutan after just 12 seconds. He also finished as the top scorer in the Afro-Asian Games event held in India in 2003 with four goals following which he decided to hang his boots.
He also had an illustrious career in Indian club football. Having started with Kerala Police, Vijayan went on to play for Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. He was part of the National League winning JCT side.
After quitting football, Vijayan started his career in acting. He was seen in the lead role in the film ‘Shantham’. He went to act in more than 20 films both in Malayalam & Tamil.
The last date for sending the applications by the sports associations to the Sports Ministry had been extended due to the nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19. The previous deadline was set on June 03.