New Delhi, April 24: I. M. Vijayan is a revered name in the history of Indian football. He has served as the captain of the Indian national team and is celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the sport.
Born on April 25, 1969, in Thrissur, Kerala, his full name is Inivalappil Mani Vijayan. Vijayan’s childhood was marked by poverty, compelling him to sell soda at stadiums to support his family. However, his passion for football propelled him forward. His talent was recognized by the then DGP M. K. Joseph, who included him in the Kerala Police football team at the age of 17, marking the beginning of his professional career.
In club football, Vijayan played for prominent teams such as Kerala Police Football Club, Mohun Bagan, JCT Mills Phagwara, FC Kochin, and East Bengal. He made his international debut for India in 1992, scoring 29 goals in 72 matches. Vijayan captained the national team from 2000 to 2004. His partnership with Baichung Bhutia is regarded as one of the most formidable and aggressive in Indian football history.
Vijayan worked tirelessly to elevate Indian football, achieving significant milestones along the way. Notably, he scored a goal against Bhutan in just 12 seconds during the 1999 SAFF Cup, a record that ranks among the fastest international goals ever. He also became the top scorer at the Afro-Asian Games in 2003, netting four goals. Shortly after, he retired from international football.
Throughout his career, Vijayan was one of the highest-earning players in Indian club football and was affectionately known as ‘Blackbuck.’ In recognition of his contributions to the sport, the Government of India awarded him the Arjuna Award in 2003 and the Padma Shri in 2025.
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