Sat Jan 25 18:13:58 UTC 2025: ## Football Legend I.M. Vijayan Awarded Padma Shri
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, January 26, 2025** – I.M. Vijayan, a celebrated Indian footballer and former captain of the national team, has been conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award. The award recognizes his distinguished service to the sport.
Vijayan, known for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities and gentle demeanor off the field, expressed his gratitude, stating the award was a “special recognition” for his career, despite receiving numerous accolades previously. He attributed his success to a lifelong passion for the game.
His impressive career highlights include scoring the fastest-ever international goal (12 seconds against Bhutan in 1999), being the first Keralite footballer to receive the Arjuna Award, and earning the Best Footballer of the Year title three times (1993, 1997, 1999). He also led the Indian team in several prestigious tournaments. Beyond football, Vijayan has also ventured into acting, appearing in Malayalam and Tamil films.
Currently serving as an Assistant Commandant in the Malabar Special Police and director of the Kerala Police Football team, Vijayan’s Padma Shri award cements his legacy as one of India’s greatest football players.
First Piper 