#3 IM Vijayan
IM Vijayan just took 3 more seconds to score a goal in an International match, than what Usain Bolt took to complete a 100-metre dash. Born in Kerala in 1969, Vijayan is one of the finest players India has ever produced.
The tall and lanky striker played for Kerala Police and was later snapped by Mohun Bagan. Vijayan kept growing in stature and class throughout his journey, getting better every season.
Vijayan was first called up for India in 1989 and he represented India in a number of tournaments. With Baichung Bhutia, Vijayan formed one of the deadliest forward lines the Indian football team has ever seen, in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The 3rd fastest ever goal came in the 1999 SAF games against Bhutan, when he managed the feat in just 12 seconds. Only David Gualtieri and Hakan Sukur have managed to better this record.
By the time Vijayan hung his boots, he had already rocketed to 40 goals in 79 appearances for the Blue Tigers. Vijayan has won the 1999 SAFF Cup with the Indian National Team and has always been known to score important goals at critical junctures of the game.
From a soda seller at a stadium to winning the hearts of the nation, Vijayan has come out a long way in his journey, which has been breath-taking. Vijayan has set up a training academy in his hometown and has been grooming players ever since he retired.
Accolades
The striker has won the Indian player of the Year award in 1993, 1997 and 1999, being the first footballer to win the award multiple times. To complete a brilliant career, IM Vijayan was chosen for the Arjuna Award in 2003.
