NEW DELHI: In a first for Indian football, the All India Football Federation presented the ‘Indian Football Awards’ at a gala function at the FICCI Federation House, here on Thursday evening.
A horde of dignitaries from the sporting World, members from the AIFF Executive Committee, AIFF Sponsors, Marketing Partners and the Corporate World graced the occasion.
National team captain Sunil Chhetri, who was unanimously voted the 2013 AIFF Player of the Year by club coaches from the I-League, received the award from Wim Koevermans, national coach, and others.
Chhetri, presently the highest Indian goalscorer in international football with 43 goals, had earlier received the Award in 2007 and 2011. Besides the Trophy he was presented with a prize of Rs 2 lakh.
“It’s a huge honour to be receiving it in front of such an audience. I need to thank AIFF for the gesture and want to dedicate it to my family. It’s for them what I am today,” Chhetri stated.
Two footballers from the North East were honoured – Woman Footballer of the Year Bembem Devi and Jeje Lalpekhlua, the 2013 AIFF Emerging Player of the Year.
Jeje who has scored 14 international foals so far felt the “Award makes him more confident.”
“Sharing the platform with Bembem Devi and Sunil Chhetri, both of whom I have looked up to in my professional career is a privilege for me. I need to thank AIFF for conferring this Award to me,” the 22-year old stated. (Agencies)
