It was 28th February 2023. 'Black Pearl' of Indian football, IM Vijayan, presently the chairman of All India Football Federation's (AIFF) technical committee, had a memorable experience recently as he was the only Indian international to get a call-up in the Asian Legends' exhibition match against the World Legends. The charity match took place at Al Wasi Stadium, Dubai. Legendary footballers like Romario, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Cafu, and Dunga participated in the match for World Legends. 

Vijayan speaking to Parallel Sports recently said, "It was a memorable experience playing against those legends. I showed two tattoos on my right and left knee to Dunga on the day before the match. One was Pele and the other was of Maradona. Dunga and Romario were surprised to have watched my passion for them and impressed also." 

It was a 60-minute match. The former Indian striker added, "I played full 60 minutes, still mesmerized to have watched Romario and Ronaldinho's skill and ball sense. But I could not talk to them due to the language barrier."

Vijayan who is presently in Kashmir to watch the All India Women's Police football tournament added, "The technical committee will soon have a meeting. Our motive is to strengthen the grass route program throughout the country."