India can play FIFA World Cup with half of UAE’s facilities: IM Vijayan

Indian players can shine on the world stage if provided with even half the facilities available in the UAE, football icon IM Vijayan said during a short visit to the Emirates.

The former Indian captain and playmaker, in a candid conversation with Gulf News, said the UAE has consistently offered strong support for the development of football.
“Football players are highly valued here. Talented players carry a lot of weight. I have played against them in Al Ain. Back then the stadium was packed,” he recalled, referring to the 2000 Asian Cup qualifier where he scored India’s lone goal in a losing cause.

“The UAE has world-class infrastructure, stadiums, coaches and great exposure. If we get even half the facilities that players receive here, India will play the World Cup.”

Vijayan pointed to the example of Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid, the Keralite presence in the Qatar national team.
“It’s a proud moment for everyone as a Malayali is in a World Cup squad. Interestingly, I have played along with his father,” said Vijayan, who is part of the Executive Committee of the All India Football Federation.

Residential academy

Earlier this month, the I.M. Vijayan International Sports Complex (IMVSC) was inaugurated in his native Thrissur district. While he sees it as a major step towards nurturing talent, the legendary footballer and 2025 Padma Shri awardee is now focused on opening a full-fledged residential academy.

“If I get land, I will start my residency academy. I have asked our state government for a place,” he said after meeting Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accompanied by his family friend Manoj Kumar, in Abu Dhabi.

“The Chief Minister has assured assistance for the academy. I want to work with children. Talents that match global standards can’t be created by just a few days of training a week. I only reached this far because I spent 24 hours on the ground,” said Vijayan, who scored one of the fastest goals in an international match – in just 12 seconds against Bhutan.

The proposed academy will include a training ground, school, gym and other facilities.
“The academy should be run properly, not because I am behind it, but to realise unfulfilled dreams. I will teach them myself and take care of them. I plan to have 30 to 40 children at the academy.”
Earlier this year, he retired from Kerala Police, ending a long association that began when he was selected for the Kerala Police football club at age 17.

“The day I retired, I made up my mind to start an academy. If we have facilities like the UAE, we can succeed. There is no other state with more talent than Kerala. But they need opportunities. There are people who can show the skills of the Brazilian team in Kerala. If you go to Kozhikode beach, you can unearth hidden talents.”