Chuni goswami

Inivalappil Mani Vijayan: Former captain Inivalappil Mani Vijayan, who conferred with the prestigoius Padma Shri Award, has dedicated the fourth highest civilian honour to Indian football fans, to the passionate football fans of India.

Vijayan is the ninth Indian footballer to be conferred with the Padma Shri after Gostho Paul, Sailen Manna, Chuni Goswami, PK Banerjee, Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri, Bembem Devi, and Brahmanand Sankhwalkar.

The list of awards was officially declared late on Saturday evening. Thereafter, Vijayan’s phone never stopped ringing. Among those who called him up to congratulate him were Chief Minister and Sports Minister of Kerala, senior politicians and government officials, top football officials, current and former footballers, and his friends.