IWL 2023: Who got their hands on the awards?

Gokulam Kerala defeated Kickstart FC 5-0 in the IWL final.

AIFF announced a number of awards to recognize the appreciable performance throughout the 24 days of anticipation, celebration, and sorrow in the women's top-tier professional football league in Indian football, including the Best Goalkeeper, Hero of the League, Best Defender, and Emerging Player awards.

Astam Oraon, Sabitra Bhandari, Indumathi Kathiresan, and K Ngopawdi all received awards for their individual achievements at the Indian Women's League (IWL) 2023 during the presentation ceremony following the final at the Transstadia in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Gokulam Kerala won their third successive IWL title in the sixth edition of the tournament and their tactician Anthony Andrews scripted history as he became the first coach to win two successive IWL titles in the competition's history.

Gokulam Kerala crowned champion for the third consecutive time

It was a fairy-tale ending for Gokulam Kerala as they registered a thumping 5-0 victory over Karnataka side Kickstart FC to grab their third consecutive IWL crown at Transstadia, Ahmedabad. It was totally an one-sided affair for the Malabarians, as they kept attacking and took the lead in the fifth minute, and sealed the deal before the lemon break with a 3-0 scoreline.

Sabitra Bhandari (5'), Sandhiya Ranganathan (22' 52'), Indumathi Kathiresan (37' P), and Roja Devi (80') were the scorers in the fascinating final, and they maintained a rock-solid back-line and ended all the hopes for Kickstart FC.

Kickstart FC also had a season to remember as they finished in the second position of Group B. Langam Chaoba Devi's girls registered back-to-back notable victories in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

2023 Indian Women's League (IWL) Awards

Emerging Player of the Season: Astam Oraon (Kickstart FC)

Best Goalkeeper: Maibam Linthoingambi Devi (Kickstart FC)

Highest Goal-scorer: Sabitra Bhandari (Gokulam Kerala FC)

Best Defender: K. Ngopawdi (Sethu FC)

Hero of the League: Indumathi Kathiresan (Gokulam Kerala FC)

Champions: Gokulam Kerala FC

Runners-up: Kickstart FC