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The AIFF Player of the Year Award is the annual football award presented to the best footballers in India by the AIFF. Mumbai City FC winger Lallianzuala Chhangte, the "Mizo Flash" won the AIFF Men's Player of the Year award for the season 2022-23. Meanwhile, Manisha Kalyan, the first-ever Indian to feature in UEFA Women's Champions League won the AIFF Women's Player of the Year award. Interstingly, Indian team captain Sunil Chhetri was not even in the nominees of the men's category.
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AIFF Men's Player Of The Year | Lallianzuala Chhangte
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If not Sunil Chetri, who is it gonna be? This is the question everyone was asking themselves. But now they've got the answer in the name of Lallianzuala Chhangte, who was said to be leading the race for the Men's Player Of The Year award, has won it against his nation side teammates, Nandhakumar Sekar and Naorem Mahesh Singh.
With 10 goals and 6 assists to his name in 22 matches for Mumbai City FC, Chhangte has convinced the selectors that he is the best Men's Indian Footballer. He's yet to score or assist for his country this year but he has been immense for India as a winger. This is his first AIFF Men's Player Of The Year award and it was a well-deserved one.
The new East Bengal winger, Nandhakumar Sekar were also one of the nominees. He also has not been able to score for his country this season with only 2 appearances to his name but came close a couple of times. Another one of his teammates, Mahesh Singh was also nominated. Mahesh was crucial in India's victory against Nepal in SAFF Championship as he was the provider and the scorer for India.
AIFF Women's Player Of The Year | Manisha Kalyan
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Indian Women's Football team has achieved great heights in recent years and many believe that they have a better chance of competing in the World stages faster than the Men according to Indian Football News.
Manisha Kalyan, the previous year's winner has successfully defended the title of being the best Women's Footballer Of India and has won the award for a second consecutive season.
Manisha Kalyan has again proved her worth to the world and took Indian women's football to great heights. She played for Apollon, Cypriot First Division club and also has 2 UEFA Women's Champions League appearances for the club. She was the favourite to win it and after becoming the first Indian player to play in the Women's Champions League, it was inevitable.
Emerging player of the year
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Akash Mishra, the 21-year-old Mumbai City FC defender has impressed everyone with his tackling and defending qualities and has won the AIFF Men's Emerging Player Of The Year award.
On the other hand, Shilji Shaji, the 16 year old sensation from Gokulam Kerala has won the AIFF Women's Emerging Player Of The Year award.
