It was an evening like never before for the Santosh Trophy winning team. Big cash prizes were given to the Kerala team that won the national football title in Malappuram recently.
Dr. Shamshir Vayalil, Chairman and Managing Director, VPS Healthcare rewarded the team with Rs. A check of Rs 1 crore was presented at a function here on Friday along with VPS India Head Hafiz Ali Ullat and Corporate Communications Head Rajeev Mangotil.
The goal scorers of the team will also get Rs. 10 lakh and the presence of the captains and coaches of the six previous victorious Santosh Trophy teams of Kerala made it all the more memorable. Gold coins were presented to former captains and coaches.
“Such a huge cash prize… it has never happened before for a team that won the Santosh Trophy and it is a great gesture to think of honoring former coaches and captains. Not many people think of such things. Will definitely inspire the younger generation,” said football great IM Vijayan, who lit up the evening with Joe Paul Ancheri and Asif Sahir.
a request
Vijayan requested Dr. Shamsheer to start a grassroots academy in Kerala. “This will help Kerala produce more talented players and build a stronger team for the future. Qatar started an academy a few years back and now they have some very talented players and a strong team,” said the former India captain.
Kerala captain Jijo Joseph, head coach Bino George, TA Jaffer, members of the Kerala team that won the Santosh Trophy for the first time in 1973 and which led Kerala to the title twice later, coach M. Pitambaran, who also guided the team. Twice for the title, were among the speakers.
Kurikesh Mathew, Sylvester Ignatius, V. Shivakumar, Rahul V. Raj – all captains of Kerala’s victorious Santosh Trophy teams – and Anita Satyan, wife of former Kerala captain VP Satyan, were also present at the event.