National level football is all set for a return to God’s own country, with the Kerala Government and the All India Football Federation agreeing upon terms

“This will act as a boon to football in the state,” Vijayan commented. “I am very happy to hear such tournaments are being planned to be hosted in Kerala. It has been a long time since we have had footballing action in the state, especially due to the pandemic. People are dying to watch live action.” Vijayan, nicknamed the ‘Black Buck’ during his playing days, stated.

As an initiative to popularise women’s football, the Government of Kerala, along with the AIFF and the Kerala Football Association (KFA), will host an International Football Tournament in Kochi in December, ahead of the Indian Women’s Team’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 campaign. That comes in addition to hosting the final round of the Santosh Trophy and a series of other Grassroots and Coach Education initiatives.

“Gokulam Kerala will already play in the AFC Women’s Club Championship, and now the Kerala Government has also opened academies for women. I think hosting an International Women’s Tournament will further help inspire more women to take up the sport,” he said. “I am looking forward to it. Well done,” Vijayan maintained.

India international CK Vineeth also echoed the sentiments, saying that all the upcoming footballing activities like hosting the final Round of the Santosh Trophy, and AIFF and KFA’s support in organising Youth League and Golden Baby Leagues in the state, football in Kerala will receive a boost.

“Football in Kerala is already so popular. We have seen so many people throng to the stadiums. Now, with so many activities set to happen, all these aspiring players will get an avenue to pursue their dreams,” said Vineeth.

“I think with all the facilities and help coming in, it will give a huge motivation especially for the local men and women’s footballers,” he said.

CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA

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As he celebrates his 52nd birthday today, let us take a look at some of the unknown facts about IM Vijayan:

#1 Sold soda bottles before starting his career as a footballer

Due to his father’s untimely death and difficult financial conditions, IM Vijayan started working soon to earn bread for his family. After selling soda bottles outside the Thrissur Municipal Stadium (Kerala), he often played football on the streets, and that’s when he caught DGP of Kerala Police MK Joseph’s eye.

The DGP helped Vijayan to kick start his career in domestic football and gave him a chance to play for the Kerala Police team.

#2 Ever heard him as Blackbuck or the Kalo Harin?

That sounds unusual, but yes, it’s true! While his time at Bengal, where he represented both the Calcutta Giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, he came to be regarded as Kalo Harin by his Bengali fans.

#3 First Indian player to win the Indian player of the year multiple times

IM Vijayan is one of the most decorated sportsmen in India. In his illustrious career, he has won the Indian Player of the year award three times in 1993,1997 and 1999. He also achieved the feat of the Arjuna award in 2003.

#4 Scored more goals than Sunil Chettri and Bhaichung Bhutia

That sound’s remarkable, doesn’t it?
In his supreme career of 19 years from 1987 to 2006, he has netted the ball 250 times in domestic football and also, he has 40 international goals in just 79 appearances. During those years he represented 6 teams domestically which included Kerala Police, Mohun Bagan, JCT Mills Phagwara, FC Cochin, East Bengal FC and Churchill Brothers. He also has the record of scoring one of the fastest goal in the history, which he scored in just 12 seconds! This was against Bhutan in 1999 South Asian Games which was held in Nepal.

#5 A famous name in the movie industry

The most fun fact about him is that after his football career, he made his career in acting. Vijayan has been a part of over 15 famous South Indian movies, and a biographical film was also made on him, which was released in 1998. That movie’s name was based on his nickname, Kalo Harin. (Black Buck)

#6 Did you know his secret talent? A wonderful commentator

Having the expertise of alluring his fans on the big screen, there’s no doubt about his abilities in deciphering the game at a commentary box. IM Vijayan was a part of the ISL commentary panel in the first season, and his voice added vigour to the ISL’s inception.

Mr Vijayan has worn multiple hats over the years. Apart from being a sturdy police officer, he proved his mettle as a professional footballer, actor, commentator and is now seen on the sidelines as a coach.

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