All India Football Federation President Mr. Praful Patel announced the National team awards at the AIFF Executive Committee meeting in New Delhi On Tuesday 09 July 2019.
For a historic 6th time, Indian men’s Football team captain Sunil Chhetri was awarded Men’s Football player of the year. He is the second highest active International goalscorer ahead of 5 time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi. On receiving the award, he said, “The fact that this was voted by the Hero I-League and Hero ISL Coaches makes it all the more special. I am grateful to my club members, coaches, fellow players, the National team staff, and the fans for their support, love, and affection,” He further added, “I never play for Awards. But yeah, it feels nice when your hard work gets recognized. This is an added motivation to do better.”
AIFF women’s Footballer of the year was awarded to Ashalata Devi who has made 37 appearances for the Women’s National team and plays her club football for Sethu FC. Dangmei Grace won the AIFF Emerging Women’s Footballer of the Year. The 23-year-old has scored 14 goals in 37 appearances for India and 8 goals in 7 games for Sethu FC.
Sahal Abdul Samad is the name on every fan’s lips. After winning the ISL Emerging Player of the Year, he has now won the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year. The 22-year-old quickly rose through the ranks of Kerala Blasters and made regular appearances in the 2018-19 season. His jaw-dropping runs from the midfield in the national colours have recently turned a lot of heads. His ability to drop a shoulder and make quick passes has earned him a lot of praise. In fact, the Indian captain Sunil Chhetri has labeled him as the next big thing in Indian football. He is definitely the player to look out for in the future.
The AIFF Award for the Best Referee 2018-19 was won by R Venkatesh from Tamil Nadu.
Congratulating all the award winner Mr. Patel said, “They serve as an inspiration for all budding aspirants, and their colleagues. We are extremely proud of all of them.”
