Mohun Bagan striker Jeje Lalpekhlua and Bengaluru’s young striker Udanta Singh, won the Indian Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards respectively in the Football Players Association of India (FPAI), Annual Awards – 2016.
Award Winners
The 25-year-old Indian star Jeje, won the award ahead of four other professional players, Bikash Jairu (East Bengal), David Lalrinmuana (Aizwal FC), Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC) and Dhanachandra Singh (Mohun Bagan).
He received the award from Bhaichung Bhutia, President, FPAI at the Gala Awards function which was held at the Cooperage Ground banquets in Mumbai, on Monday night.
Udanta Singh, was voted best from among the five nominees, which included Avinash Rui Das (East Bengal), Nicolas Fernandes (Sporting Clube de Goa), Malswamzuala (Bengaluru FC) and Thongkhosiem Haokip (Shillong Lajong FC).
East Bengal striker Ranti Martins won the award for the Foreign Player of the Year, while Ashley Westwood, coach of I-League champions Bengaluru FC won the Coach of the Year award for the
Awards – Indian Player of the Year (nominees): Jeje Lalpekhlua, Bikash Jairu, David Lalrinmuana, Sunil Chhetri, Dhanachandra Singh.
Winner – Jeje Lalpekhlua.
Young Player of the Year (nominees): Udanta Singh, Avinash Ruidas, Nicolas Fernandes, Malswamzuala, T.Haokip.
Winner – Udanta Singh.
Foreign Player of the Year (nominees): Ranti Martins (East Bengal), Darryl Duffy (Salgaocar), Katsumi Yusa (Mohun Bagan), Sony Nordy, Cornell Glen.
Winner – Ranti Martins.
Coach of the Year (nominees): Ashley Westwood (Bengaluru FC), Sanjoy Sen (Mohun Bagan), Derrick Periera (DSK Shivajians), Santosh Kashyap (Salgaocar), Thangboi Singto (Shillong Lajong).
Winner – Ashley Westwood.