I-LEAGUE

Sandesh Jhinghan, Bala Devi Named AIFF Player of the Year

About Football Express India - Indian Super League - I-League

Indian National Football Team’s defender Sandesh Jhinghan named AIFF Men’s Player of the year. It is to be noted that Jinghan was previously awarded as Emerging Player in the year 2014.

Sandesh Jhinghan made his first appearance for the Blue Tigers in 2015 against Nepal. And he played for India on 40 occasions and even managed to score 4 Goals. He was among the squad which lifted the Hero Intercontinental Cup in 2018. And with his incredible performance, Team India managed to draw against Asian Champions Qatar in 2019.

Sandesh Jhinghan also captained the Senior side for five times and ATK Mohun Bagan in several occasions. Inspite of his constant performance Jinghan Recieved Arjuna award in 2020 from the Government of India.

“Being voted by club coaches of the Hero ISL and the Hero I-League as the AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year 2020-21 is a huge honour for me. I take this Award as a motivation to do better, and inspire others to follow their passion for the sport”– Said Sandesh Jhinghan after receiving the honours.

Men’s Emerging Player 2020-21

Bengaluru FC’s Attacking Midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam awarded as the 2020-21 AIFF Men’s Emerging Player of the year. The 20-year-old youngster from Manipur was part of the India’s Under -17 squad. Which played the 2017 U17 FIFA World Cup. And he was added to the AIFF’s developmental side Indian Arrows in the Hero I-League.

After spending two seasons with Indian Arrows he got his maiden call-up to the ISL side Bengaluru FC. And due to his impressive performance. Suresh Singh Wangjam made his Senior Debut recently against Oman. And he made five appearances for India. Additionally, he also started all three Matches in Doha.

“It’s an honour for me to receive the AIFF Men’s Emerging Footballer of the Year 2020-21 Award. I am extremely glad and thankful. This Award will improve my self-belief and will motivate me to achieve further success in the future” -said Suresh Wangjam.

AIFF Women’s Award for 2020-21

Additionally, the awards for Women Footballers were also announced. Rangers FC Striker Bala Devi Named AIFF Women’s Player of the year and Manisha awarded AIFF Women’s Emerging Player of the year.

Bala Devi is winning this award for the third time. The 31-year-old forward made her debut for the Scottish Club Rangers FC before Pandemic. And she created a new record to be the first Indian woman to score a goal in Europe in December 2020.

“I’m so happy to have won this award. A big thank you to the AIFF and all the fans for their support. I’d also like to thank my coaches — both at my club in Rangers, and in the National Team, and also and all the coaches that I’ve played under in the past” – said Bala Devi.

The 19-year-old Forward Manisha grabs the AIFF Women’s Emerging Player award. She recently made her senior Debut against Hong Kong.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff of the National team who taught me and made me capable enough for this award”– said Indian Forward Manisha Kalyan.

Do follow us on Twitter to get the latest news and updates on Indian Football.

To Top