Lallianzuala Chhangte, Indumathi Kathiresan honored as best players at the AIFF Awards Night
Mumbai City and Indian Football Team winger Lallianzuala Chhangte, and Odisha FC star Indumathi Kathiresan, were honored as the AIFF Best Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year 2023-24, respectively, in New Delhi on July 19. The glittering AIFF Awards Night, attended by numerous sporting icons, celebrated the remarkable achievements of Indian footballers over the past year.
Chhangte was celebrated as the AIFF Men's Player of the Year for the second year in a row, joining the ranks of players who have received this accolade multiple times.
The Indian Super League Cup champion had a stellar season with Mumbai City FC, scoring 11 goals and assisting seven more across all competitions, making him the top-scoring Indian in the league.
His performance on the international stage was equally impressive, with a crucial goal against Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June 2024.
Chhangte, unable to attend the AIFF Awards Night in person, expressed his gratitude through a heartfelt message.
"I am so honored to receive this award. Although I can't be there, I'm sending a huge thank you to our Hon'ble Sports Minister sir. Thank you so much for this prestigious award, which I feel so undeserving of. And tonight, I thank God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His guidance, protection, and blessings. He's the only reason why I am here."
"Next, my family, who have been my biggest supporters since day one. My friends and family from Mumbai City FC and my brothers in the national team. This is not possible for me without you guys backing me up," Chhangte added.
Kathiresan's achievement marked a historic first for a player from Tamil Nadu. She led Odisha FC to victory in the 2023-24 Indian Women's League, scoring five goals and earning the Best Midfielder award. Her contributions to the Indian national team were significant, including a goal against Estonia in the Turkish Women's Cup in February 2024.
"I'm so delighted to be here tonight and receive this award. I didn't expect to win it. I'm so happy, and I would like to thank my coach and my teammates for helping me win this award," said Indumathi.
The AIFF Awards Night also recognized the stellar performances of other exceptional talents. David Lalhlansanga was honored as the AIFF Promising Men's Player of the Year for his remarkable goal-scoring ability, netting 34 goals for Mohammedan Sporting in various competitions.
Neha, the 18-year-old Haryana winger, was awarded the AIFF Promising Women's Player of the Year for her outstanding performances in the SAFF U19 Women's Championship and Senior Women's National Football Championship.
Khalid Jamil of Jamshedpur FC was named AIFF Men's Coach of the Year, while Sukla Dutta, who guided India to the SAFF U19 Women's Championship title, received the AIFF Women's Coach of the Year award.
Ramachandran Venkatesh and Ujjal Halder were also recognized at the AIFF Awards Night as the Best Referee and Best Assistant Referee, respectively, for their exemplary officiating throughout the season.
List of all winners at the AIFF Awards Night for 2023-24
Men's Player of the Year: Lallianzuala Chhangte
Women's Player of the Year: Indumathi Kathiresan
Promising Men's Player of the Year: David Lalhlansanga
Promising Women's Player of the Year: Neha
Men's Coach of the Year: Khalid Jamil
Women's Coach of the Year: Sukla Dutta
Referee of the Year: Ramachandran Venkatesh
Assistant Referee of the Year: Ujjal Halder
Most Successful MA (Club Competitions): Indian Football Association (West Bengal)
Most Successful MA (NFC Competitions): All Manipur Football Association
Best MA - Supporting Women's Football: Punjab Football Association
Best MA for hosting most AIFF competitions: Football Association of Odisha and Goa Football Association
MA with most player registrations (men's): Kerala Football Association
MA with most player registrations (women's): Western India Football Association (Maharashtra)
Special Award for MA launching new projects: Gujarat State Football Association
MA with most Grassroots activities: Gujarat State Football Association
MA with most Youth tournaments conducted: Karnataka State Football Association
MA with most Coaching courses: Punjab Football Association
MA with most Refereeing courses: Gujarat State Football Association
Special awards at at the AIFF Awards Night highlighting support to various AIFF events:
Government of Arunachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh Football Association: For hosting the Santosh Trophy Final Round
Government of Odisha and Football Association of Odisha: For hosting FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, Intercontinental Cup, Kalinga Super Cup, Senior Women's NFC Group Stage, Junior Boys' and Girls' NFC Tier 1 and Sub-Junior Youth League
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council: For twice hosting the India U17 men's national team camp and upgrading the infrastructure of the TRC Ground