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My Memories: Winning The SAFF Cup Is A Very Happy Memory - Former India Star I.M. Vijayan
Legendary striker I.M. Vijayan shared his happy memories from the SAFF Cup with Goal.com....
02-Dec-2009 12:11:17 AM
Arjuna Award winner I.M. Vijayan won the SAFF Cup in 1999 and also scored India's fastest ever international goal against Bhutan in that campaign, when he found the net within 12 seconds.
Speaking to Goal.com about that triumph “ It was a very good experience for the whole team. Winning the SAFF Cup is a very happy memory for me.
"It was also very rewarding because we had worked really hard to prepare for the tournament and it paid off.”
The SAFF Cup is probably the only tournament where India go in as firm favorites, but Vijayan believes that it only serves as a motivation and does not seep complacency.
“Yes its true that we do go into this particular tournament as favorites but that does not mean the players take it easy. After all we are representing our country as it is a matter of immense pride and being favorites is an added motivation to do well.”
On being asked who he thought were strong contenders for the Cup, apart from India, Vijayan says he doesn’t really know the other teams too well as he hasn’t been following them.
“In our time Pakistan were a very strong team and teams like Nepal, Sri lanka were never easy to beat either. I don’t really know much about the currenteams, but I am sure the intensity will remain the same and like always it will be difficult to beat our neighboring countries”
India will be playing their U-23 team for the tournament and Vijayan reckons it is a good idea.
“It is a good move to send the youngsters as it is a very good opportunity to provide them with experience and exposure at international level.
"There is no substitute for real match experience and it will be beneficial for the senior team in the long run, if the young guys coming in have had this exposure.”
He concluded by wishing good luck to the young team, “ I hope they do us proud with their performance and hopefully win the tournament.”
Venkatesha Sharma
Speaking to Goal.com about that triumph “ It was a very good experience for the whole team. Winning the SAFF Cup is a very happy memory for me.
"It was also very rewarding because we had worked really hard to prepare for the tournament and it paid off.”
The SAFF Cup is probably the only tournament where India go in as firm favorites, but Vijayan believes that it only serves as a motivation and does not seep complacency.
“Yes its true that we do go into this particular tournament as favorites but that does not mean the players take it easy. After all we are representing our country as it is a matter of immense pride and being favorites is an added motivation to do well.”
On being asked who he thought were strong contenders for the Cup, apart from India, Vijayan says he doesn’t really know the other teams too well as he hasn’t been following them.
“In our time Pakistan were a very strong team and teams like Nepal, Sri lanka were never easy to beat either. I don’t really know much about the currenteams, but I am sure the intensity will remain the same and like always it will be difficult to beat our neighboring countries”
India will be playing their U-23 team for the tournament and Vijayan reckons it is a good idea.
“It is a good move to send the youngsters as it is a very good opportunity to provide them with experience and exposure at international level.
"There is no substitute for real match experience and it will be beneficial for the senior team in the long run, if the young guys coming in have had this exposure.”
He concluded by wishing good luck to the young team, “ I hope they do us proud with their performance and hopefully win the tournament.”
Venkatesha Sharma
Inside Goal.Com
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