“Everyone remembers a cricketer who has played for India,even if it was for a single game.I was the Indian football team captain in ten tournaments,12 years I’ve been in the Indian team….do you atleast recognize me?” – v p Sathyan (to Mathrubhumi)
India reached its highest spot in FIFA rankings during Sathyan’s captaincy,India defeated South Korea(4-3)with a last minute goal from this defender in Merdecca cup -one of the greatest moments in India’s soccer history,Indian Footballer of the year 93.Atleast some of these tags should be in our collective memory Kerala Police,Federation Cup,1992,Santosh Trophy,Sharafali,Chacko,Sathyan,Pappachan,Vijayan.
Its not about Sathyan,but Indian football as such.This is one game where you go in to die for the country whether you win or lose.Its a bit sad these young men never get the recognition they deserve. Sathyan, struggling with debt, jumped in front of a train and ended his life yesterday,he was 41.
bvn, you have honoured a great indian and malayali sportsman. in the merdecca cup satyan’s decider goal was scored from 40-metres away!!! and he was the captain of the kerala team which won the santosh trophy in 1990 after 17 years…it was just second time we won the santhosh trophy! kerala police reached its zenith under his captaincy.
i was a regular at football matches in tvm in those days and seeing him i realized u didnt have to be a forward to be of value to the team and to inspire! thanks for writing this post man.
Jiby,i’ve seen a few matches of SBT in Chandrashekaran Nair.But this golden era matches for me were radio commentaries,I still carry the excitement of winning federation cup and Santosh trophy…..and they gave a state holiday the next day.no school 🙂
At last the god of small fundas open up the doors of his blogs.
Though I am not a big time sporty, i remember watching santhosh trophy with Achan and him cheering sathyan. Yup, and the school holiday too.
From an evday visitor to ur blog 😉
dew drops,thanks! i’m lazy enough to visit my blog once in a few days :-)..wud rather save the trouble for poor comments with no replies.i’d set my eye on that list you have a few weeks back,to be true it looks like my library.in Metamorphosis now with a half complete Herman hesse lying near,will checkin for reviews 🙂
and its not god,just lord…daivamalla,oru kochu ‘madambi’ :=)
Never heard of him but its sad that he was not given the recognition he deserved and also he died so young.
my goodness , i didnt know of these achievements. shocking now!
Excellent post.
I’ve heard of Sathyan before manchester united!!..
kerala football was at its peak those days..nowadays we are lagging behind..
wish there were more footballers like him!!
I’m impressed with your site, very nice graphics!
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