Contributions of former footballers and administrators recognised

Sivasundram (second from right) receiving his award from Saravanan (centre). Looking on are (from left) Deputy Education Minister P. Kamalanathan, Mohan and J. Dhinagaran. Santokh Singh in action in the 1980s. He was among the recipients of the appreciation award. — filepic — Photos by M. AZHAR ARIF

FORMER international football defender Datuk Santokh Singh was one of the recipients of the appreciation award at the Malaysian Indian Football Association (MIFA) 10th anniversary celebrations recently.

Santokh, a member of the Malaysian football team in the 1980s, said he was surprised when he received a call from MIFA to attend the celebrations.

“It is also good to know that MIFA appreciates our contributions to the country and state. I had the chance to meet several former football players and administrators,’’ said Santokh.

Among the other award recipients were Datuk K. Rajagopal, Datuk S. Anthonysamy, Datuk Peter Velappan, Datuk S. Sivasundram, K. Gunalan, Datuk N. Thanabalan and former FIFA referee S. Selearajan.

Present as guest-of-honour was Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk M. Saravanan.

MIFA president Datuk T. Mohan said the association was proud to honour the football players and administrators.

“Many of them had brought glory to the nation and community. They are still active in serving the community. Datuk Peter Velappan is a fine example. After serving in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA, he is now involved in the Special Olympics.

“Likewise former players such as Datuk Rajagopal and Datuk Santokh Singh have always responded to be part of community programmes.

“It is our responsibility and duty to appreciate their contribution to football,’’ Mohan added.

MIFA , since its formation in 2004, had gone through many obstacles.

The association was at loggerheads with Malaysian Indian Sports Council (MISC), who were associate members of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM),

However, MIFA and MISC decided to forget their differences following a meeting initiated by Saravanan.

The result was a team under MISC-MIFA. Coached by former international K. Sanbagamaran, MISC-MIFA made their debut in the FAM Cup competition this year.

Mohan said they did not fare well in the FAM Cup and finished ninth in the 12-team competition.

“Being first-timers, it was a learning experience for us. But we will be stronger for the new season. We have already started preparations and will announce the details in the coming weeks,’’ he added.

Speaking at the event, Saravanan, call on youngsters to be active in sports.

“There are ample opportunities for youngsters to excel in sports. The government has started several programmes to encourage the young to be active in healthy activities.

“MIFA and MISC can work together in the development of football at the grassroots.

“We also have the Malaysian Indian Sports and Cultural Foundation (MISCF) concentrating on other sports like athletics, squash, badminton, tennis and karate,’’ said Saravanan.