AIFF Awards 2018-19 | Sunil Chhetri, Ashalata Devi bag top honours
AIFF
Sunil Chhetri and Ashalata Devi have been bestowed with the prestigious âFootballer of the yearâ prize after the AIFF announced the awards for the 2018-19 season after a meeting on Tuesday. Kerala Blastersâ youngster Sahal Abdul Samad was awarded the 'Emerging Player of the year' award.
Indian veteran forward Sunil Chhetri was presented with his third consecutive award with the AIFF âThe Footballer of the Yearâ prize for his performances with the national team for the 2018-19 season. The Bengaluru FC forward recently overtook Argentina great Lionel Messi to become the second highest goalscorer in international football behind Portugalâs Cristiano Ronaldo who sits comfortably at the top spot with 88 goals in 158 games.
Sunil Chhetri is the most capped player in the country with total games of 109. Chettri as a captain has made a substantial contribution to Indian football. He played a crucial role for the Blue Tigers when they qualified for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 27 years in 2011.
Meanwhile, Kerala Blastersâ youngster Sahal Abdul Samad was adjudged the âEmerging Player of the Yearâ in the same category. Amongst the women, striker Ashalata Devi was announced as the 'Footballer of the Year' while Dangmei Grace of Manipur was declared as the âEmerging Player of the Year.â
