The Hindu : A glorious moment for Vijayan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 30, 2002

Sport

Sport - Football

A glorious moment for Vijayan

KOCHI APRIL 29. He seemed to be in a hurry to complete the formalities. Football star I.M.Vijayan was given the special honour of holding, kissing and caressing the World Cup Champions Trophy as it reached Kochi on Monday.

But the former India captain was a bit uncomfortable with the attendant pomp, the flashlights and all the attention at the Taj Malabar this evening. And after completing the assigned task, he sat down some distance away and gazed longingly at the cup of joy for some time. It was a close and personal gaze. Vijayan's wife and children were there to savour the moment.

How did it feel to kiss the World Cup? ``Hah! I can't describe it. I'm really very, very fortunate. This is a dream come true,'' said Vijayan soon after the Gillette India-sponsored show.

Will India ever get to lift the Cup? ``With Europe making big strides every year, I think it will just be a dream. Even the qualifiers are getting tougher and tougher each time. That's why this moment will be a very special one for me,'' said the star. Just then, Kenny G's sax special, `Walking in the Winter Wonderland' wafted in the air.

And who will win the World Cup this time? ``I'll place my bet on Argentina. And France will be my other finalist,'' said Vijayan.

"Gillette has long been associated with the World Cup," said Mr. Vipul Sabharwal, Regional Business Director, Batteries, "and after the event, we will sit down and discuss what we can do to for Indian football." Indian football certainly, longs for such words

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