MALAPPURAM : The mortal remains of former international footballer C Jabir, 48, who died in a road accident, were laid to rest with state honours in Areacode, near here, on Monday.
The body was kept at the Malabar Special Police (MSP) camp in Malappuram for the public to pay their last respects, before being taken to his native place, where hundreds bade a tearful adieu to the former Kerala Police team winger.
Former footballers I M Vijayan, U Sharafali, C V Pappachan, Kurikesh Mathew and coach T K Chathunni and various players from the Customs team were among those who attended the funeral. Jabir was as a Circle Inspector at the MSP camp in Pandikkad. He met with a fatal collision at 10.30 pm on Sunday at Musliarangadi, on the National Highway in Kondotty, while he was returning to his workplace from Kozhikode. Police said that the accident occurred as the car Jabir was driving collided head-on with a lorry. He was taken to a private hospital soon after the incident, but the doctors pronounced him brought dead.
A sprightly presence on the flanks, Jabir had often ignited the pitch alongside the likes Sharafali, Vijayan, V P Sathyan, Pappachan and Kurikesh. He drew accolades from many football enthusiasts for his ability in changing positions and the speed he generated.
Born at Therattammal in Areacode, Jabir started kicking the ball around at a local school ground before finally making his debut in the Indian team in 1995. He was a constant figure in the illustrious Kerala Police team and had represented the state six times in Santosh Trophy, the latest of which was the 1996-97 tournament at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.He had put up a scintillating show as Police thrashed Salgaocar FC 3-1 in the Federation Cup final in 1990, and also for the Kerala team which won the National Games gold medal in 1997. “I remember him as a true fighter. He was a better organiser and had the power to control the game. Truly an inspirational presence in the team, his backroom talks had given us the extra energy to strive ahead,” said Sharafali, who attended the funeral.
Jabir began his career at MES College, Mampad, and joined Calicut University team in 1989. He had laced up his boots for the country in Nehru Cup in 1995 and worn the national colours on several occasions. “He was a gentleman. Jabir was not an extraordinary player, but had maintained an incredible work rate. He believed in team play and showed us how to better execute his ideas,” said friend and player Kurikesh.