AIFF named senior India defender Sandesh Jhingan as the men's Footballer of the Year on Wednesday. On the other hand, they picked midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam as the Emerging Player for the 2020-21 season.
Although Sandesh Jhingan won the 2014 emerging player award, this is his first player of the year award. Indian Super League and I-League club coaches voted for the players to win the awards.
I take this award as a motivation to do better and inspire others to follow their passion for the sport. This Award comes with a huge responsibility not to let anyone down.
Sandesh Jhingan
Jhingan made his senior national team debut in 2015 in Guwahati and has since gone on to make 40 appearances for the Blue Tigers, scoring four goals. He was also part of the Indian side that lifted the Intercontinental Cup in 2018 and played out a memorable draw at the home of the Asian champions Qatar in 2019.
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Jhingan has captained the senior team on five occasions. The most recent being the international friendly against Oman in Dubai in March. He was also honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award last year.
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The 20-year-old Suresh made his Blue Tigers debut earlier this year against Oman. He was also part of the Indian side that competed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017.
"Heartiest congratulations to the Awardees. I hope they will continue moving forward from strength to strength in the future and continue to inspire with their performances and achievements," AIFF President Praful Patel said.