India defender Sandesh Jhingan was on Wednesday named AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year 2020-21.
On the other hand, midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam, 20, was named the winner of the AIFF Men’s Emerging Footballer of the Year 2020-21 award.
Both the players were voted by the club coaches.
Jhingan, who had won the Emerging Player of the Year award in 2014, has received the Player of the Year award for the first time.
“Being voted by club coaches of the ISL (Indian Super League) and the I-League as the Footballer of the Year is a huge honour. 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,” said Jhingan.
Jhingan made his senior national Team debut in 2015 and has since gone on to make 40 appearances for India, scoring four goals.
He was part of the Indian sides that lifted the Hero Intercontinental Cup in 2018 and played out a memorable draw at the home of the Asian champions Qatar in 2019.
Wangjam, who made his India debut earlier this year against Oman, became the latest midfielder to win the Emerging Footballer of the Year award.