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Born: April 25, 1969, Thrissur, Kerala
Major Teams: Kerala Police, Mohun Bagan AC, JCT Mills, FC Kochin, India
Playing Position: Striker
Achievements:Scored the fastest ever international goal in 1999 SAF Games; top scorer in 2003 Afro-Asian Games; Arjuna Award in 2002
The life of I. M. Vijayan, one of most versatile Indian strikers, is the archetypal rags to riches story. From selling soda bottles in the streets of Thrissur to becoming one of the most recognizable faces of Indian football, it's been hard work all the way for IM Vijayan.
Making his national debut for the Kerala Police in the 1987 Quilon Nationals, the 17-year-old Vijayan made an immediate impact despite his scrawny built and rugged looks. After persisting with the Police for four years, Vijayan left Kerala seeking greener pastures in Kolkata Club football. He went on to spend some fruitful years with city giants Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
Vijayan made his international debut in 1989 and spearheaded the Indian attack in various tournaments starting with the Nehru Cup, pre-Olympics, pre-World Cup, SAAF Cup and SAF Games. He partnered with the mercurial Baichung Bhutia upfront to form one of the most lethal Indian forward lines.
Vijayan was the first footballer from Kerala to win the Arjuna Award and was adjudged the `Best footballer of the year' in 1993, 97 and 99. In the 1999 SAF Games, Vijayan earned the unique distinction of scoring the fastest ever international goal when he found the net just after 12 seconds against Bhutan.
When the time came to hang up his boots, Vijayan signed off in style in the 2003 Afro-Asian games where he emerged the top scorer with four goals. Post-retirement, Vijayan has acted in the award-winning film "Santham" directed by Jayraj.
