I-League 2022-23: All the award winners from the season

The competition ended with RoundGlass Punjab’s historic run to the I-League title.

The first edition of the Hero I-League as the second tier of the Indian football league system has come to an end, and RoundGlass Punjab FC have emerged as the champions of the competition, becoming the first team to potentially earn promotion to the top tier of Indian Football, the Hero Indian Super League. Also, Sudeva and Kenkre have been relegated to the I-League 2, after finishing as the bottom two sides of the competition.  

The season which lasted for a whole five months, had a lot of drama and elation, and would definitely be long remembered as the season in which the league system in Indian football changed forever. 

This season, there were some players who stood out from the rest of the crowd and dazzled us with their outstanding performances throughout the length of the competition. Today, we look at such players recognised by the league for the brilliant contributions they made towards the success of their teams.

Here are all the award winners from the I-League 2022-23

Highest goalscorer - Luka Majcen (RoundGlass Punjab)

The golden boot award this season was won by Luka Majcen. The centre forward of RoundGlass Punjab had an absolutely fantastic season, and was very clinical in front of goal. Majcen scored 16 goals in 20 games for RGPFC. The Slovenian continued his blistering form from last season, and made a huge impact in Punjab’s season.

Best Goalkeeper - Kiran Kumar Limbu (RoundGlass Punjab FC)

Kiran Limbu had a phenomenal campaign with RoundGlass Punjab. The 32-year-old won the award for the best goalkeeper of the tournament, for his season-long heroics in between the sticks, and the 11 clean sheets he had from 21 games. Throughout the season, Kiran put on some truly spectacular performances and turned up for his team whenever he was needed.

Best Midfielder - Juan Mera (RoundGlass Punjab FC)

Juan Mera was another player, who was in top-notch form for the entirety of the season. The Spaniard not only dictated Punjab’s midfield, but was also a good chance creator, and he combined viciously with Luka to destroy the opponents. The player scored 10 goals and bagged two assists in 18 games this season.

Hero of the League - Luka Majcen (RoundGlass Punjab)

It's no surprise that Luka bagged the award for the best player in the league, as it was his heroics throughout the season that helped RoundGlass Punjab win the I league for the second time and earn them their promotion. His 16 goals and three assists from 20 games, added to his tireless and valiant efforts for his team, make it an absolute no-brainer for him to be crowned as the best in the league.

AIFF Fair Play Award - TRAU FC

TRAU won the Fair play award for the Hero I League 2022-23, as a result of their exemplary behaviour throughout the tournament. The team received the least amount of bookings this season, and also avoided any unruly behaviour such as indulging in angry interactions on the pitch, or brawls between the players.

Hero I-League winners - RoundGlass Punjab FC

RoundGlass Punjab were presented with the I-League trophy for the season 2022-23, breaking the two-year winning streak of Gokulam Kerala and becoming the first-ever winner of the tournament to gain direct promotion to the Indian Super League subject to fulfilling requirements. Punjab had an extraordinary season and maintained a perfect home record throughout the tournament. Their performance and mentality made them the deserved winner of the I-League and earned them the chance to play in India's top division.