New Delhi: In a remarkable recognition of his legacy, former Indian football captain IM Vijayan was honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award on the eve of Republic Day 2025. This accolade adds to the long list of awards that the legendary striker has received throughout his career. Vijayan becomes only the ninth footballer from India to receive the Padma Shri, cementing his place as one of the finest footballers in the country’s history.
A heartfelt dedication to the fans
𝘼𝙉𝙊𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍 𝙁𝙀𝘼𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍 𝙄𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝘼𝙋 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙁𝙊𝙍𝙈𝙀𝙍 𝘾𝘼𝙋𝙏𝘼𝙄𝙉 🪶💙
𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐀 𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐈 𝐈.𝐌. 𝐕𝐈𝐉𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐍 👑#IndianFootball legend I.M. Vijayan has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/YPls9gQfDC
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 25, 2025
Vijayan, who was informed about the honour early on January 25, expressed deep gratitude towards the fans who made his journey memorable. “I dedicate my award to every football fan in the country. What I am today is because of them,” he said. Despite being surrounded by praise from officials, politicians, and former footballers, it is the love from the fans that stands out to him the most.
With 88 appearances and 39 goals for India, Vijayan’s career spanned over 12 years. He formed a lethal strike partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia, helping raise Indian football’s stature. He was the first player to win the AIFF Player of the Year three times and still holds the record for India’s fastest-ever hat-trick, scoring against Pakistan at the 1999 SAF Games.
Vijayan’s recognition with the Padma Shri comes after an illustrious playing career, which ended in 2006. Today, as a member of the AIFF Executive Committee and the Chairperson of the Technical Committee, he continues to contribute to Indian football off the pitch.
IM Vijayan’s journey, filled with dedication and passion, serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers across the country. His Padma Shri award is not just a testament to his skills, but also his enduring impact on the game, and the admiration of the millions of fans who watched him play.
IM Vijayan, one of India’s greatest footballers, was honoured with the Padma Shri award 2025, dedicating it to football fans who played a key role in his remarkable career. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
