The KESPA – VP Sathyan award function organised by the Kerala Sportspersons Association (KESPA) Chennai in Zoom on today forenoon was a memorable one.. Many legends from Football and other disciplines participated in the program. The presence of Malayalam Actor Jayasuria who acted as VP Sathyan in the Malayalm movie ‘Captain” was an added flavor for the program.
The program started with a video from Dr. Mona Milkha Singh, daughter of late Shri. Millkha Singh thanking the members of KESPA for hosting program to pay tribute to her parents by KESPA on 24th June 2021.
Jose Varghese, President of KESPA welcomed the gathering. The patron of KESPA Shri. W.I Davaram congratulated Anas for winning the award. He said he is happy to see that V.P. Sathyan is remembered even after 15 years through the KESPA VP Sathyan award.
MD Valasamma, Padmashri and the Asian Games Gold medallist congratulated the KESPA members for hosting the event. She is the first and only Honorary member of KESPA.
Shri. I.M. Vijayan, former Indian football Captain recollected his association with V.P. Sathyan. He remembered the days when they both represented Mohan Bagan team at Kolkate League.
Former Indian Football Captain Subash Bowmic who joined from Kolkata paid tribute to Sathyan. He was the Coach of Mohan Bagan team while Sathyan was playing under him. He said Sathyan was a well-disciplined player.
Former Indian Football Goal Keeper Henry Menzes recollected the association with Sathyan. He said his judgment on the court used to be perfect and he used to be a rock in defense.
The former Indian Captains Sharaf Ali and Joe Paul Ancheri also spoke about Sathyan and congratulated KESPA for having organized the event.
The award ceremony started with a brief on KESPA and Sathayn award by the Patron V.A. George, followed by the citation of Mohd Anas was read by the Olympian Ranjith Maheswari. The KESPA VP Sathyan Award was virtually handed over by the Chairperson of KESPA Olympian Shiny Wilson. She wished all success to Anas for the coming Olympics.
Olympian Anas in his acceptance Speech informed that he is thrilled to receive the award in the presence of a galaxy of Sports stars.. He said he will do his best at Tokyo. He also received Award money of Rs. 25,000/-. Mhd Anas is the current national record holder in 400M.
Actor Jayasuria who acted in the movie ‘Captain’ as V.P Sathyan recollected his experience of acting as Sathyan, whom he has not seen in person.
The tribute to Sathyan continued after the award ceremony.
Shaji Prabhakaran (President of Delhi Football Association), J.M. Fernando (Secretary – TN Olympic Association), Dr. Ashok CEO of Gokulam FC) , K. Sankar (Former FIFA referee) Chathunni, CC Jacob, Victor Manjilla, Raman Vijayan, Sabir Pasha, P.P. Thobias, K.T. Chacko, V.P. Shaji, Sebastian Netto, Madavan, Jacob Verghese (All International football players) Coaches like T.A Jafer, Sridharan spoke on their association with Sathyan.
Late VP Sathyan’s wife Anitha and daughter Athira were also present for the program.
Jayasankar Menon, Unni Nair and Abraham Verghese anchored the program
The two hours program ended with Vote of thanks from C.M. Ranjith former International Football player and Coach.
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