Former Indian winger and 1962 Asian Games gold medallist I. Arumainayagam has been honoured with the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025.
Indian football great I. Arumainayagam was conferred the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025 on Tuesday. The former winger, now in his 86th year, featured for the national team during one of its most celebrated eras, including India's gold-medal-winning campaign at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta.
Speaking on the recognition, Arumainayagam’s son Nilton Christopher, a former Indian Railways footballer, said his father was "a bit surprised, but happy and proud." He added, "He remembers a few moments of his career, but not much. However, we are all very happy. We have been waiting for this for a long time, but everything happens with time. We are thankful to the Government, all the supporters and well wishers."
Arumainayagam made his international debut against Thailand on August 28, 1962, during the Asian Games. Over the course of his international career, the speedy winger represented India 18 times and scored three goals. He was also part of the squads that finished as runners-up at the 1964 AFC Asian Cup and third at the 1966 Merdeka Cup.
Born and currently residing in Bengaluru, Arumainayagam enjoyed a prolific domestic career. Between 1958 and 1971, he represented Madras/Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and Railways in the Santosh Trophy, winning the title with Bengal in 1962-63. At the club level, he scored 56 goals for Mohun Bagan between 1961 and 1968, lifting the Calcutta Football League four times, the Durand Cup thrice, the IFA Shield twice, and the Rovers Cup once.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.