Former Indian Football Team Captain, Joe Paul Ancheri, Celebrates 47th Birthday

On August 2, 2023, former Indian Football Team captain, Joe Paul Ancheri, celebrates his 47th birthday. Ancheri, regarded as one of the best footballers India has ever produced, achieved numerous accolades throughout his career.

Starting off with SBT in 1992, Ancheri went on to represent esteemed clubs such as Mohun Bagan, JCT, FC Cochin, and East Bengal. His versatility allowed him to excel in different positions, from striker to defender.

Ancheri’s list of achievements is impressive, with notable triumphs including winning the National Football League, Federation Cup, and Durant Cup with JCT. At Mohun Bagan, he secured victories in the Federation Cup and IFA Shield. His time at East Bengal brought successes in the IFA Shield and Durant Cup.

Representing the Indian national team, Ancheri’s talent shone in international competitions. He clinched three SAF Championships in 1997, 1999, and 2005, bringing glory to the nation. Additionally, he won a gold medal at the South Asian Games in 1995.

It is intriguing to note Ancheri’s unexpected journey towards a football career. Coming from a family with no sporting background, he initially had no intention of pursuing the sport professionally. However, fate took a turn when he attended a selection camp at Thrissur Kerala Verma College. Mentored by coach Joseph Rais, Ancheri’s exceptional ability captured attention, leading to his inclusion in the Calicut University team.

Ancheri’s breakthrough performance came during the 1993-94 Santosh Trophy, where he scored a crucial goal for Kerala in the final against Bengal. Impressively, IM Vijayan, one of India’s finest footballers, played alongside him during this tournament. Despite Kerala’s loss in the shootout, Ancheri’s skills did not go unnoticed.

Making his debut for the Indian team on September 14, 1994, against Bangladesh, Ancheri showcased his versatility by playing in various positions, including striker, stopper, libero, midfielder, and attacking midfielder. His injury record remains commendable, as he rarely missed a game throughout his career.

In 2005, due to persistent injuries, Ancheri reluctantly bid farewell to professional football, ending an illustrious chapter in Indian football history.

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02 Aug 2023, 09:26 PM IST Photo: twitter.com/IndianFootball

The former captain of the Indian Football Team, Joe Paul Ancheri, is 47 years old today. He was named the All India Football Federation Player of the Year twice (1994 and 2002) and played in all positions from striker to defender.

Ancheri, who started his professional career with SBT in 1992, also wore his boots for clubs like Mohun Bagan, JCT, FC Cochin and East Bengal. With JCT, he won the 1996-97 National Football League, the 1996 Federation Cup and the Durant Cup. With Mohun Bagan, he won the Federation Cup in 1998 and the IFA Shield in 1998 and 1999. With East Bengal, he won the IFA Shield in 2001 and the Durant Cup in 2001 and 2002.

He also won the SAF Championship in 1997, 1999 and 2005 with the Indian national team. He also won a gold medal at the South Asian Games in 1995.

Ancheri, who had no desire to take up football as a career, later became one of the best footballers India has ever seen. Joe Paul came from a family that claimed no sporting heritage. The boy who didn’t take the game seriously until he passed SSLC had never played a game seriously until then. His life changed when he attended a selection camp organized in Thrissur to enter Thrissur Kerala Verma College under sports quota for undergraduate degree. A training camp organized by coach Joseph Rais opened Ancheri’s way to the world of football. After reaching college, Joe Paul started playing football seriously. After being mentored by MC Radhakrishnan Master, Ancheri’s talent caught everyone’s attention. With that, an invitation to the Calicut University team. He performed well in the inter-collegiate tournament of 1990. After that, he played the Junior National and U-21 Championship matches held in Kollam. After shining in the 1994 National Games in Mumbai and the Santosh Trophy that followed, Joe Paul caught the eye of the Kolkata teams.

Joe Paul Ancheri and IM Vijayan Photo: KK Santhosh

Ancheri, who had a brilliant performance for Kerala in the 1993-94 Santosh Trophy, scored the decisive goal for Kerala in the 67th minute of the final against Bengal, taking the match to the spot. It was also the Santosh Trophy where IM Vijayan played for Bengal. But Bengal won the title by defeating Kerala (5-3) in the shootout.

Later he got a call to the Indian team. He made his debut on 14 September 1994 against Bangladesh. Ancheri, who played in the front row, was later tested as a stopper and libero by India coach Rustam Akramov. He later tried as a midfielder and attacking midfielder. For this reason, Ancheri himself has said that he has not had to sit out of any game except through injury.

Finally, Ancheri, beset by injuries, unexpectedly got enough football in 2005.

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