I. Arumainayagam Receives Arjuna Award (Lifetime) for Contributions to Indian Football
Celebrating a Football Legend
On August 18, 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports honored Indian football icon I. Arumainayagam with the prestigious Arjuna Award (Lifetime) for his remarkable contributions to Indian sports, both during his playing days and beyond.
The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) is designed to recognize and inspire athletes who have made significant impacts through their performances and continued to promote sports after retiring from competitive play, as stated in a release from AIFF Media.
Arumainayagam, a dynamic winger, played a crucial role during one of the most celebrated eras in Indian football. He was a member of the Indian squad that clinched the gold medal at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, marking a pinnacle achievement in the nation's football history. He made his international debut against Thailand on August 28, 1962, at the Asian Games, and went on to earn 18 caps for India, netting three goals.
He also represented India in the 1964 AFC Asian Cup, where the team finished as runners-up, and participated in the Merdeka Cup in 1966 and 1967, with India securing third place in the latter.
Arumainayagam's domestic career was equally illustrious. Between 1958 and 1971, he played in the Santosh Trophy for Madras/Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and Railways, contributing to Bengal's victory in the 1962 tournament.
At the club level, he spent eight successful years with Mohun Bagan from 1961 to 1968, scoring 56 goals. During his tenure, he helped the club secure the Calcutta Football League four times (1962-1965), the IFA Shield in 1961 and 1962, the Durand Cup in 1963, 1964, and 1965, and the Rovers Cup in 1966. He also played for Southern Railway in 1969 and 1970.
In 2014, he was awarded the Mohun Bagan Ratna, further solidifying his legacy.
The Arjuna Award (Lifetime) adds to the accolades of a player who was part of India's golden generation and played a pivotal role in one of the most significant triumphs in Indian football history.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed pride in Arumainayagam's recognition, stating, “It is a matter of great pride for Indian football that I. Arumainayagam has been recognized with the Arjuna Award (Lifetime). He was an integral part of the Indian team that achieved the historic 1962 Asian Games triumph, a moment that continues to hold a special place in our footballing history. This honor recognizes not only his achievements as a player but also his enduring contribution to Indian football. On behalf of the AIFF, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him on this well-deserved recognition.”