Kerala welcomes champions in style

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government and cultural organisations here gave a rousing reception to the Santhosh Trophy-winning football team at the central stadium on Friday. The yesteryear Kerala players who were part of the Santhosh Trophy-winning teams in 1973, 1992, 1993, 2001 and 2004 also took part in the function. The government disbursed cash prizes of Rs 2 lakh each to the team members and coach.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and transport minister A.K. Saseendran meet players of the victorious Kerala football team. (Photo: A.V. Muzafar & ARUN CHANDRABOSE)

Cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each was given to the supporting members, including the physiotherapist and coaching assistants. The government also reiterated its commitment to building new houses for the homeless players, including K.P. Rahul.

Former India international player Xavier Pius tries his moves as C.C. Jacob, T.A. Jaffer, Deva Anand and K.P. Williams, members of the Kerala team which won the Santosh Trophy in 1973, look on at the Maharaja's College Ground in Kochi on Friday. They were gathered to congratulate the Kerala team which won the 72nd edition of the trophy last week. (Photo: A.V. Muzafar & ARUN CHANDRABOSE)

"The youthfulness of the team was pivotal in bringing the cup to Kerala once again," said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Coach Satheevan Balan said, "providing jobs to 11 members of the team will go a long way in helping them. Also, promotions should be given to those serving in various jobs. Sports Minister A.C. Moideen had rung up after the semi-finals and that was very inspiring. The chief minister also called us and lauded us soon after our final match," he said. Those present included Kurikesh Mathew and Ignatius, captains of the 1993 and 2004 teams respectively, and former players I.M. Vijayan, K.T. Chacko, C.V. Pappachan, U. Sharafali, Mehboob and Habibul Rahman.

Former Santosh Trophy players C.V. Pappachan, K.T. Chacko, Suresh Kumar, Sunilkumar, Mehaboob and Mujeeb Rehman catch up during the reception. (Photo: DC)

The winning team comprised Rahul V. Raj (captain), local lad S. Seesan, V. Midhun, S.H. Ajmal, Y.P. Mohammed Shareef, Vibin Thomas, V.G. Sreerag, K.O. Jiyad Hassan, Justin George, K.P. Rahul, V.S. Sreekuttan, M.S. Jithin, Muhammed Parakkotil, G. Jithin, B.L. Shamnaz, Sajith Poulose and V.K. Afdal. Assistant coach was Bejesh Ben, physiotherapist Arun S. Manoj and manager C.C. Asif. 

Various organisations, including Kerala Union of Working Journalist (KUWJ), took out processions as the players reached the capital. Ministers, including A.C. Moideeen, K. Raju, V.S. Sunil Kumar, Kadannappalli Ramachandran, Kadakampally Surendran and C. Raveendranath were present to receive the players. MLA M. Vincent represented the UDF at the function.