He may have quit the game officially three years ago, but IM Vijayan continues to be the biggest attraction at the 'sevens' football tournaments, which are extremely popular in Malabar region. The 40-year-old former Indian captain, who was in Kozhikode for a few days for a ligament reconstruction surgery on his left knee, told that he always loved playing the seven-a-side football.
"I have been coming to Malabar to play 'sevens' football for well over two decades now," says Vijayan. "I have to be fit before the next season kicks off at the end of the monsoon; that is why I decided to have the surgery here at Kozhikode and consulted Schiller Jose, who has been treating my injuries for several years."
The ace striker says big money is not the only attraction for him at the 'sevens' tournaments. "The money no doubt is good; even an average footballer could make over Rs.1 lakh a season. I just love playing before such a passionate and knowledgeable crowds of Malabar. Footballers from other states like Maharashtra and Manipur who play in these 'sevens' tournaments, have told me that they are surprised to see such big crowds."
Vijayan feels the authorities should try to encourage the 'sevens' game, instead of banning the registered footballers for playing in these tournaments. "Yes, I too have been 'caught' for playing in the so-called illegal 'sevens' tournaments, but that never stopped me from playing again," he chuckles. "I don't find their argument that footballers could pick up injuries from playing in 'sevens' tournaments very convincing; you could get injuries in 11-a-side football too."
He points out that several international players have come out of 'sevens' football. "These tournaments are a great learning school for footballers in Malabar, especially Malapuram, where 'sevens' football is most popular," he says.
"And there have also been players like me who would come from Thrissur and other districts to play for the various 'sevens' clubs."
Vijayan, who is also a film actor, adds he missed out on the new Tamil film, starring Rajnikanth and Aishwarya Rai, 'Enthiran', due to his injury. "There was no way I could have shot for the film now," he regrets.
Source: The Hindu Newspaper
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Friday 7 August 2009, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.
Comments · 7
Vijayan is absolutely right, the football association should recognize 7-a-side football and promote them instead of calling it unofficial. And make it like an IPL of sorts where money is part of the game. That is one way to make football more popular for the players and viewers as well.
hai vijayetta.........
my name is jaisal iam a footballplayer(goalkeeper)in universal soccer school calicut.
you are a greate footballer . ilike your game .
iam jaisal iam a goalkeeper in universal soccer school calicut . ilike to joint in your team .
my no 9995 34 58 48
7's is a game from which the state association can mint money if they package it well for the crowds and get the clubs on roll. this will give the game a massive boost. there is considerable amount of money being involved these days, if they can package it better, the money flow and the results of it being reflected on the players will create a massive change in kerala football scene.
But i dont think there are any fellas in the state association who will have a brain-wave of this sort. I dont know! Probably they all are happy with the posts they hold and dont want to be adventurous enough!
That is the sad part of it - FA office bearers are just happy with the status-quo and what I hear is that it is not easy for anyone who loves football and a bit adventurous to break in to the FAs - it is run by a group of people who really don't care much about football or don't understand the potential of the game. Sad indeed!
7s must be legitimised! I am not a fan but people love it and it will never dissapear so it must be embraced by the KFA. All players and particularly referees should be registered and properly trained. Organisers should be required to make some contribution to the KFA for the administration and medical insurance of players. State championships should be organised.
Professionalise 7s!
hello....im shameer from mukkam..i like footbal v.much...im nt bad in football,,, i want to know the rules of seven a side football ,any one can sent me d rules here or sent me d site name to knw d rules.....tx bye