The announcement by the Federation of an Institutional League to provide PSU, state, and police football players with more opportunities for competition has sparked debate around the nation. Moreover, many people will find the league to be a blessing. Because it gives them the chance to play competitive football. And demonstrate their talent in order to be chosen for the higher levels of the game.
The announcement has brought back fond memories for one guy. He is fully aware of the advantages of a government employment. Moreover, the talent present within a department team, and the success that can be attained with it.
“I was drafted into Kerala Police when I was a teenager,” IM Vijayan says. “It’s only after I played for Kerala Police that I went on to play for Mohun Bagan, JCT, East Bengal and all. My entire journey started with Kerala Police, who gave me a job, and a chance to play and show my game at high levels.”
Many people believe that Vijayan is the most graceful player India has ever produced. Over the course of his illustrious career, Vijayan won numerous awards and titles. Including two Federation Cups while playing for Kerala Police.
“In my time the Kerala Police team was a legendary team,” Vijayan says. “We had Sathyan, Chacko, Sharaf, all great players. Playing with them really honed my skills too. Moreover, I credit them with really kick starting my career and owe them a lot.”
IM Vijayan tells his part of the story
As the director of the Kerala Police Football Academy, a member of the AIFF Executive Committee, and chair of the All India Football Federation’s Technical Committee, Vijayan is confident that the Institutional League will revive funding for department teams and ultimately benefit players.
“One of the big complaints by a lot of departments, including SBI, SBT, FCI, was that there were no tournaments and competitions for them to play in through the years,” VIjayan says. “They didn’t see the benefit of putting together a team just to be in training. Moreover, this will encourage them to recruit more players also.”
A stronger and more accurate fulfilment of the Federation’s goal of the roadmap “Vision 2047,”. According to the Indian legend, will result from expanding the opportunities for playing time, tournaments, and contests.
“The truth is that not every footballer in the country is going to play the Hero ISL and the Hero I-League. But that doesn’t mean they do not deserve to play in tournaments, get game time, and employment for their skills. I’m glad that the Federation has taken this decision to launch the Institutional League, it will do a lot for young players who have sports quota jobs with different units. It will also encourage more to take up the sport knowing that they can play it and also gain employment through it.”
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