About V.P. Sathyan
Vatta Parambath Sathyan, popularly known as V. P. Sathyan, was a highly esteemed Indian professional footballer who excelled in the centre back position. Born on April 29, 1965, in Mekkunnu, Kannur, Kerala, he made significant contributions to Indian football during his career. Sathyan began his journey in 1983, representing Kerala in the Santosh Trophy National Championship and swiftly progressed to the national team. He showcased his prowess as a strong and capable defender, earning him a place in the Indian squad for various tournaments, including the SAF Games in Dhaka and the Nehru Cup in Thiruvananthapuram and Seoul Asian Games.
Sathyan's career saw him play for notable teams such as the Kerala Police Football team, with whom he won the Federation Cup twice in 1989-90 and 1990-91. He also had stints with Kolkata-based clubs Mohammedan Sporting Club and Mohun Bagan before returning to the Kerala Police. In 1996, he joined Indian Bank, initially as a player and later transitioning into a coaching role.
As a testament to his exceptional leadership skills, Sathyan became the captain of the Indian national team for the World Cup qualifiers in Beirut and Seoul in 1991. He led the Indian team to a gold medal in the 1995 SAF Games held in Chennai, formerly Madras. Additionally, he guided Kerala to victory in the Santosh Trophy in 1992.
Sathyan's remarkable performances and contributions to Indian football were duly recognized when he was named the AIFF Player of the Year in 1992. He also served as an assistant coach to Stephen Constantine during India's tour of South Korea in 2002.
Tragically, Sathyan's life took a sorrowful turn, and he faced personal challenges that led to his untimely demise. Battling depression due to the lack of recognition, credits, and awards he believed he deserved, as well as financial difficulties after retiring from his football career, he took the extreme step of ending his life. On July 18, 2006, he tragically committed suicide by jumping in front of an oncoming train in Chennai.
Sathyan's life and legacy have left a lasting impact on Indian football. His inspiring story was brought to the silver screen in the 2018 biographical film "Captain," where Jayasurya portrayed him, and Anu Sithara depicted his wife, Anitha. The film shed light on Sathyan's struggles and triumphs, capturing the essence of his journey. In recognition of his exceptional performance in the film, Jayasurya received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor in 2019.
Throughout his career, V. P. Sathyan's unwavering dedication, exceptional skills, and leadership qualities contributed significantly to the development and progress of Indian football. His achievements and legacy continue to inspire and serve as a reminder of the immense talent that exists within the sport.
