Sunil Chhetri, Ashalata Devi named AIFF Players of the Year

Sahal Abdul Samad and Dangmei Grace won the Emerging Player of the Year accolades in their respective categories.

Indian football's talisman, Sunil Chhetri again bagged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year for 2018-19 after the federation's annual awards were announced on Tuesday.

Chhetri who has been a metronome in Indian football also became the most capped player recently overtaking Bhaichung Bhutia and the 34-year-old currently has 109 caps for the Blue Tigers. He recently scored a brace in India's 2-4 defeat against Tajikistan in the Intercontinental Cup opener at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad.

The Indian captain was also relentless with Bengaluru FC last season, guiding the Blues to their maiden Indian Super League (ISL) title.

“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,” Chhetri said, moments after declared the winner.

On being reminded about winning the Award for the 6th time, he 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.”

India international Sahal Abdul Samad who was a breakthrough star for Kerala Blasters and the Blue Tigers this season was named the AIFF Emerging Men's Player of the Year. The young midfielder has been impressive in his short international career and has the potential to be the next big thing in Indian football.

The AIFF Women's Footballer of the Year award was bagged by national team and Sethu FC defender Ashalata Devi. She guided Sethu to their maiden Indian Women's League title and was rock-solid at the back for the Indian women's national team. Meanwhile, Dangmei Grace won the AIFF Emerging Women's Player of the Year. Grace was exceptional for India at the SAFF Championships in Nepal, as she played a vital role for Maymol Rocky's side in winning the tournament.

The AIFF also acknowledged Jammu & Kashmir Football Association's work as the governing body from the Valley was adjudged as the Best Grassroots Development Programme in the country.

 

Ashalata Devi guided Sethu to their maiden IWL title & was rock-solid at the back for India

Winners

2019 AIFF Award for Best Grassroots Development Programme: Jammu & Kashmir FA

2019 AIFF Award for Best Assistant Referee: Joseph Tony from Karnataka.

2019 AIFF Award for Best Referee: R Venkatesh from Tamil Nadu.

2019 AIFF Emerging Woman Footballer of the Year: Dangmei Grace.

2019 AIFF Emerging Player of the Year: Sahal Abdul Samad.

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2019 AIFF Woman Footballer of the Year: Ashalata Devi.

2019 AIFF Player of the Year: Sunil Chhetri.