Jo Paul Ancheri Biography 
Jo Paul Ancheri is a former football player associated with Indian Football team. Known as an all-rounder he has also worn the Captain’s cap for team India. He was named the AIFF Player of the Year by the All India Football Federation in 1994 and 2001. Started his professional career in the year 1992, he has played for all leading football clubs for India. This versatile player played in all positions - defender, defensive midfielder, midfielder, and striker. His injuries gave a premature end to his professional career. He finished as central defender. Now he is known as a football coach. His first experience as a coach was to train U-14 Indian team.
He was born in Thrissur, Kerala in 1975. Ancheri started his professional career in 1992 by playing for State Bank of Travancore. By mid-1990s he rose to fame and played with many leading football clubs of the country such as Mohun Bagan, JCT Football Club, FC Cochin, and East Bengal. His versatility and all-round performance very soon earned him a position in Indian Football team. He also represented as team captain for many matches. He was playing as East Bengal striker, when All India Football Federation chose him as the Player of the year 2002.
It was in the in the semifinal of the South Asian Games football tournament in 1995 when he received his first knee injury. After that he had undergone four knee surgeries. Though he was called for Houghton's early squads to attend camp in 2006 his recurring injuries stood as the big block to his career forward. He played for Viva Kerala followed by Durand Cup. But following a calf muscle injury he decided to call off. After his retirement due to injuries at a premature stage he took up the job of a football coach and currently works at the Mohun Bagan Football Academy.
Published: N/A
Updated: April 03, 2016
