I. M. Vijayan Biography: I. M. Vijayan is a former Indian footballer who was born in Thrissur, Kerala, on April 25, 1969. He is a forward for the Kerala Police Football Academy. His full name is Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, and he is the India team’s all-time leader in appearances and goals scored.
As a striker for the Indian national team in 1993, 1997, and 1999, he established a successful attacking partnership with Bhaichung Bhutia.
I. M. Vijayan Biography
| Full Name | Inivalappil Mani Vijayan |
| Date of Birth | April 25, 1969 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birth Place | Thrissur City, Kerala, India |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
Early Years
IM Vijayan in the southern Indian state of Kerala, in the municipality of Kannur. His family consisted of seven children, and he was the youngest. He grew up in destitution.
Early on, despite his difficult circumstances, Vijayan displayed a natural talent for football. Soon after he began playing for his village team, a local club scouted him. In 1986, at the age of 17, he began his professional football career with Kerala Police.
Club Career
In 1989, Vijayan began his club career with Kerala Police. He was a member of the team for three years and contributed to their 1991 Federation Cup victory. In 1992, he joined FC Kochin and played for them for two years. Throughout his tenure with the club, he contributed to their victories in the Kerala State League and the Federation Cup.
In 1994, Vijayan joined one of the largest organisations in India, Mohun Bagan. Two years later, in 1997, the team claimed the National Football League (now known as the I-League). In 1996, Vijayan joined JCT Mills, where he played for four years. During his tenure with the club, he contributed to their victories in the National Football League (in 1996-97 and 1997-98) and the Punjab State League (in 1996-97 and 1997-98).
In Malaysia, he also had a successful tenure with Perak FA. He was a member of the team from 1999 to 2001 and contributed to their 2000 Malaysian Charity Shield victory. In 2001, Vijayan joined another major Indian club, East Bengal. He played for the team for two years and contributed to their 2003 ASEAN Cup victory.
In 2006, he retired from club football. In 284 appearances for his club, he tallied 142 goals.
International Profession
In 1992, Vijayan made his début for India against the Philippines in the Nehru Cup. In the match, he scored three goals to proclaim his arrival on the international stage.
He was instrumental in India’s South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship victories in 1993, 1997, and 1999. He led the tournament in scoring in 1997 and 1999 and was dubbed the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in 1997.
Vijayan represented India in 1996, 2000, and 2004 AFC Asian Cups. In 2000, he tallied two goals and helped India reach the quarterfinals for the first time in their history. He also participated in the 1997 Indian team that won the Merdeka Cup in Malaysia. He scored two goals and was dubbed the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Vijayan was instrumental in India’s Nehru Cup victories in 1993, 1997, and 1999. In addition to being the tournament’s leading scorer in 1993 and 1999, he was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in 1997.
After the 2003 Afro-Asian Games, he announced his departure from the Indian national team. In 71 games played, he tallied 34 goals.
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Records
- Vijayan has tallied the most goals by an Indian player in the National Football League/I-League with 77.
- Vijayan has tallied the most goals in the history of the Santosh Trophy, with a total of 40.
- He scored six hat-tricks in the National Football League/I-League, more than any other player in the tournament.
- He tallied the most goals in a single season of the National Football League in 1997-98, scoring 14 goals.
- Vijayan scored 15 goals during the Nehru Cup, the most of any player in the competition.
- In 1997, 1999, and 2003, Vijayan was named the Most Valuable Player of the SAFF Championship, the most of any player in the tournament’s history.
- In 1993, 1997, and 1999, Vijayan was named the Most Valuable Player of the Nehru Cup, the most of any player in the tournament’s history.
Personal Life
Vijayan is married to Raji. He has 3 children: Aromal Vijayan, Archana Vijayan and Abhirami Vijayan. His daughter-in-law’s name is Abdul Aadil, and his granddaughter’s name is Adeeva. It is believed that his wife is a homemaker, and that the family enjoys a peaceful existence.Vijayan became a coach and established his own football academy in Thrissur after retiring from football. He has also served as a football tournament television commentator and analyst.
Vijayan is involved in numerous social initiatives, and he endeavours to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. He is affiliated with a number of non-governmental organisations and charitable organisations that work to improve society.
Family
Vijayan was born into a Malayali family and had to sell seltzer bottles at the Thrissur Municipal Corporation Stadium in order to support his family.
Assets
After attaining football success, Vijayan acquired properties throughout India, including a residence in Thrissur, where he spent his childhood. Additionally, he possesses a home in the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.
