Sports are the medium to raise our country, state, district to its higher level and full of pride. Every state in India is best in their own sports. Stamina and spirit are the two best factors that are important for an athlete. However, some of the sports like cricket is highly praised all over in India. The consideration given to cricket is very high. New generations also aim their career in cricket oriented lives. Some of the famous sportsmen in Kerala are the following. These are among them who have tried their maximum to raise the three colored flag ie Indian flag in events all over the world.
1. Sreeshanth
One of the famous icons in Indian cricket. He is from Kerala. He is the first Keralite to highlight the name of the state all over the world. He is been rewarded for his achievements and his cricket career by all over the world and also by Kerala government. He is the well established player in cricket from Kerala. He is mainly known as the ” Kerala Express” and the name “Prince of Hat-trick” came when he got a hat-trick when he was playing Ranji Trophy against Himachal Pradhesh. He is a deep devotee and visits most temples and churches for praying. He is very aggressive in his bowling and in his fields. He is been charged accusing for his misbehaving to opposite players in the field. Recently, he has some issues with one of the Indian player named Harbhajan Singh. Till date he has acquired 50 wickets from 34 ODI’s and 46 wickets from 11 tests. He was under injury and was taking rest nowadays and claims for a good comeback after that. He was the key player for India for getting the 20-20 world cup. In Kerala his native place is in Cochin.
2. Jimmy George
One of the most legendary volley ball player from Kerala. He was born in Peravoor,Kannur district. He has represented India for many events. One of the finest volley ball player. He was the first Indian to be marked as professional volleyball player and played club volley in Italy. He was known best as the ” Best Attacker” in volleyball. His serve and takes were so accurate and made many opposite players difficult to recover the shot. He was the only Indian volley ball player that has played for a foreign club. His hidden talent began to reveal when he was at college playing for Calicut University. After that he went to play for his state Kerala. He played for calicut university thrice and for Kerala university four times. The Kerala University won All India Inter - University Championship in all these four years. By this he got a permanent seat in his state team that is Kerala team at the age of 16. He represented his state nine times. After the continuous victory, he got selected for the national team and represented a national team for Tehran in 1974 and bagged many victories for his team. He was the youngest Indian to receive Arjuna Award at the age of 21. He held his helping hands for the upcoming talents in Volleyball. Even so misfortune was in his side, he died in a car accident at the age of 33. Thus the era of Volleyball came to an end. His memories cherished in all the volleyball players in Kerala and established a club named “Jimmy George Foundation” in Kannur to build up upcoming talents.
3. T.C Yohannan
One of the best long jumpers that India had ever developed . He had raised India to many levels and got recognized in many events. He set a new Asian Games record for his event long jump in 1974 Teheran Asian Games. Medals and awards were only a golden feather to his crown. His hard work and talent payed him a lot. Some of the main prizes are he won gold medals in various competitions at Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kobe. He was born at Kundara village in Kerala. His school days were also filled in sports, and he made a debut at the nationals in 1969. He was a hard worker from that time itself and after two years he set a national mark of 7.60m in long jump which was held at Patiala. Later achievement was the aim for Yohannan. In 1972 he bagged the National triple jump title. He was improving in all his attempts for Long jump. He set his record at that time by marking a national record of 7.78 meters. Later in 1974 was the best year for Yohannan. He set a New Asian game record for long jump for the distance 8.07m. This achievement made him so popular and became chief guest at many places. That record was safe for 30 years and broke at 2004 when Punjab youngster made it as 8.08meters. His son is a famous cricketer Tinu Yohannan.
4. Tinu Yohannan
Third Indian cricket player from Kerala. It was Sunil valsan who played first for India from Kerala. After that it took many years for a keralite to get into International cricket. Well, Tinu’s destiny was not so good in international cricket. His less form made him to quit from International matches. He is playing for county crickets and domestic cricket. Now also he is attending much training and gives it for the upcoming talented cricketers. Right now, he is playing for MRF pace foundation .He is the son of the famous Olympic Indian long jumper T.C Yohannan. He had played 3 tests and 3 ODI’s for India. His bowling style is Right arm pace bowling. His run up is not so long and maintains a speed of 142km/hr. His yorker length bowling is well praised.
5. I.M Vijayan
One of the most successful football player from Kerala. He was born in thrissur. Till date India has not been selected for International matches. Football fans are comparatively lower than that of cricket. Vijayan was one of the most renowned player for India. His scissor cut was one of his famous trademarks. He was from a very poor family and struggled a lot for his daily life. He was a soda seller in the stadium earning a very low income. After that he worked hard and his attitude to football made him selected in Kerala police team. Later it was a good start for his career and never needs to look back. He is the highest paid Indian Footballer . He plays domestic football. He holds the record of fastest goal in International football. He received Arjun award for his contribution to Football. He achieved a goal at the 12th second. He retired from football in the year 2006 and tried his luck in south Indian movies. He is also active in politics and working for the National Congress party.