What’s the buzz?
Sunil Chhetri was named the AIFF Player of the year for a record sixth times and Ashalata Devi won the AIFF Women Player of the year award. Exciting youngster Sahal Abdul Samad was named as AIFF Emerging player of the year award while Dangmei Grace won the AIFF Emerging women player of the year.
The detailed matter
Sunil Chhetri created history when he was named as AIFF Player of the year as he won the prestigious award for a record sixth times. Sunil Chhetri previously won the award in 2007, 2011,2013,2014 and 2017.
Chhetri is currently the second highest international goal scorers among active players with 70 strikes to his name, behind Cristiano Ronaldo. He has gone past Lionel Messi (68), who is third in the list, during the 2019 Intercontinental Cup opener against Tajikistan.
Chhetri is the most capped player of the country with 109 matches, ahead of former captain Bhaichung Bhutia (107).
On his glorious achievement, Indian national football team’s coach Igor Stimac congratulated the Indian skipper.
“Dear Sunil Chhetri, in the name of Indian national football team, congratulations to you on a great season you had and you deserved this. As a national team coach I just hope that you will keep playing as long as you can because national team needs you.”, said the Gaffer.
Veteran Indian international Ashalata Devi was applauded by her coach Maymol Rocky for her achievement.
Maymol said, “Congratulations Asha, you deserve this award. You’ve been with the national team since the last ten to fifteen years and now comes the award. I just hope that you still work hard and be with the national team.”
Dangmei Grace won the AIFF Emerging Women’s Player of the year award for her excellent performances over the entire last season.
Abdul Samad was nicknamed as “Indian Ozil” by some fans and he justified the tag with his brilliant ball control. Recently he made his debut for India against Curacao and has been with the team since then. He was the right man to win AIFF Emerging player of the year award.
What’s next?
Chhetri and Sahal are currently playing for India in the ongoing Intercontinental Cup and they may look forward to win the trophy for India.
Ashalata and Dangmei had a brilliant season of exceptional football and are pretty much focused on the road ahead.