-Edited by Pratyusha Mukherjee
Indian football legend I Arumainayagam, a member of India’s historic gold medal-winning team at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, was conferred the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Tuesday.
The award recognises Arumainayagam’s distinguished playing career and his continued contribution to Indian sport after his retirement from competitive football. The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) honours sportspersons who have made significant contributions to their respective disciplines during and after their active careers.
A gifted and speedy winger, Arumainayagam represented India during one of the most successful eras in the country’s football history. He made his international debut against Thailand on August 28, 1962, at the Asian Games and went on to make 18 appearances for India, scoring three goals.
His biggest achievement came at the 1962 Asian Games, where India secured the gold medal in Jakarta, marking one of the most celebrated triumphs in Indian football.
Arumainayagam was also part of the Indian squad that finished runners-up at the 1964 AFC Asian Cup. He further represented the country at the Merdeka Cup in 1966 and 1967, with India finishing third in the 1966 edition.
His domestic career was equally impressive. In the Santosh Trophy, he represented Madras/Tamil Nadu, Bengal and Railways between 1958 and 1971, and was part of Bengal’s title-winning side in 1962.
At club level, Arumainayagam enjoyed a highly successful eight-year spell with Mohun Bagan from 1961 to 1968, scoring 56 goals. During his time with the Kolkata giants, he won the Calcutta Football League four times, in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965.
He also helped Mohun Bagan win the IFA Shield in 1961 and 1962, the Durand Cup in 1963, 1964 and 1965, and the Rovers Cup in 1966. He later represented Southern Railway in 1969 and 1970.
In recognition of his contribution to the club, Arumainayagam was conferred the Mohun Bagan Ratna in 2014.
Welcoming the latest honour, AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey described Arumainayagam as an integral member of the Indian side that achieved the historic 1962 Asian Games triumph.
“It is a matter of great pride for Indian football that Shri I. Arumainayagam has been recognised with the Arjuna Award (Lifetime). He was an integral part of the Indian team that achieved the historic 1962 Asian Games triumph, a moment that continues to hold a special place in our footballing history,” Chaubey said.
He added that the award recognises not only Arumainayagam’s achievements as a player but also his enduring contribution to Indian football.
The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) adds another major honour to the legacy of a player who was part of India’s golden generation and contributed to one of the defining achievements in the history of Indian football.
(Inputs from AIFF)
