CHENNAI: The true legacy of a sportsman, for that matter any human being, is that he outlives his era. VP Sathyan, who died four years ago, was one of the few Indian footballers to have achieved this, and the VP Sathyan Memorial Football, organised by the All India Malayali Association, is a glowing tribute to his service to the game. A versatile player, Sathyan was equally at ease donning defensive as well as midfield duties. For almost a decade, he was a permanent fixture at the heart of Indian defence, representing the country in almost 80 matches including 10 as skipper. Despite his retirement in 1997, he continued to
attach himself with the sport, assisting Stephen Constantine in 2002 when the India toured South Korea.
The most abiding moment of his career was a rippling 40-yard goal against South Korea in the quarterfinals of the Merdeka tournament in 1986 while he achieved his highest distinction in 1995, when AIFF adjudged him footballer of the year.
Since his shocking demise in 2006, the AIMA has been planning on the lines of organising a tournament, which finally actualised this year. Eight teams would vie for the Rs 80,000-prize money tournament, spanning from August 14 to 22 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The presence of sides such as Viva Kerala, Mumbai FC and Mohan Bagan Academy adds glamour while local-clubs ICF, Tamil Nadu XI and Chennai Customs would drive the crowd in hoards. I-League side Viva Kerala, one of the contenders, had a bizarre last season, and they would miss three vital players - PK Anil Kumar, OK Javed and Bello Rasaq.
Similarly, Tamil Nadu XI, fresh from Santosh Trophy campaign are dented by the absence of three I League players--CS Sabeeth, D. Ravanan, and M. Pradeep, besides the Customs players.
Another side in the fray is senior division runners-up Integral Coach Factory, coached by P Thulasi.
Group A: Chennai Customs, Josco FC, Akbar Travels FC and Tamil Nadu XI. Group B: ICF, Viva Kerala, Mohun Bagan Academy, and Andhra XI.
Today’s matches: Josco FC vs Chennai Customs, Akbar Travels vs Tamil Nadu XI.