Indian football great I. Arumainayagam, a member of the country’s historic 1962 Asian Games gold medal-winning team, was conferred the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025 on Tuesday.
The honour recognises the distinguished career of the former India winger, who is now in his 86th year. Arumainayagam represented the national team during one of Indian football’s most successful periods and was involved in several memorable international campaigns.
He made his India debut against Thailand on August 28, 1962, during the Asian Games in Jakarta. India went on to win the gold medal at the tournament. Arumainayagam eventually made 18 international appearances and scored three goals.
The speedy winger was also part of the Indian squad that finished runner-up at the 1964 AFC Asian Cup. Two years later, he represented the country at the 1966 Merdeka Cup, where India secured third place.
His son Nilton Christopher said the former footballer was surprised but delighted to receive the recognition.
“He was a bit surprised, but happy and proud,” Nilton told Sportstar following the announcement.
“He remembers a few moments of his career, but not much. However, we are all very happy. We have been waiting for this for a long time, but everything happens with time. We are thankful to the Government, all the supporters and well-wishers,” added Nilton, who is himself a former Indian Railways footballer.
Born in Bengaluru, where he continues to live, Arumainayagam also enjoyed an accomplished career in domestic football. Between 1958 and 1971, he represented Madras/Tamil Nadu, Bengal and Railways in the Santosh Trophy after beginning his playing career in his home State.
He was part of the Bengal side that lifted the Santosh Trophy in the 1962-63 season.
Arumainayagam also enjoyed considerable success at club level with Mohun Bagan. Playing for the club from 1961 to 1968, he scored 56 goals and collected several major trophies.
During that spell, he won the Calcutta Football League four times, the Durand Cup three times, the IFA Shield twice and the Rovers Cup once, establishing himself as one of the notable Indian footballers of his generation.
