The Football Players Association of India (FPAI) honoured the best performers of the 2014-15 Indian football season at the annual FPAI Indian Football Awards 2015. The 7th edition of the FPAI Indian Football Awards took place at the Novotel Kolkata Hotel And Residences on Sunday.

The FPAI gave away awards in five well-known different categories during the award ceremony in Kolkata. For the first time the FPAI had also three new special awards for the Indian Super League (ISL).

Young Jayesh Rane of Mumbai FC, who will be in action for Chennaiyin FC in the ISL, grabbed the “Fans Player of the Year” award, while Thongkhosiem Haokip of Pune FC / FC Goa claimed the “Best Young Player of the Year” award.

Atlético de Kolkata head coach Antonio López Habas was awarded the silverware in the “Best Coach of the Indian Super League 2014” category. Habas had won the inaugural Indian Super League title with Atlético.

Royal Wahingdoh FC coach Santosh Kashyap, who will be the assistant coach at NorthEast United FC in the upcoming ISL season, took on the stage to receive the “Best Coach of the Year” award. Kashyap said, “Everyone is doing a fantastic job, I thank Baichung and I look forward to the NorthEast United challenge. I want to become a better coach.”

Canadian international Iain Hume clinched the “Best Foreign Player of the Indian Super League 2014” award for his outstanding performances for Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL 2014.

India and Kerala Blasters defender Sandesh Jhingan won the “Best Indian Player of the Indian Super League 2014”.  “If I had to go back to the past, I would never change a thing which has happened to me. I am blessed,” Sandesh told while receiving the award from Shyam Thapa.

Haitian international and Mohun Bagan star Sony Norde received the “Best Foreign Player of the Year” award from Shillong Lajong FC head coach Thangboi Singto.

The much awaited announcement of the winner of the “Best Indian Player of the Year” award was made at the end of the award ceremony, as Eugeneson Lyngdoh was handed over the prestigious silverware by Baichung Bhutia and Hélder Postiga.

“I want to change the secnario of Indian football. I want everyone to kick a ball around,” the India, Bengaluru FC and FC Pune City star said. “I am up here representing each and every one of the I-League players. I thank my primary coaches, Singto and Kashyap when I was in Shillong until I came into Westwood’s hands.”

THE FPAI FOOTBALL AWARDS 2015 WINNERS

FPAI Best Indian Player of the Year
Eugeneson Lyngdoh (Bengaluru FC & FC Pune City)

FPAI Best Young Player of the Year
Thongkhosiem Haokip (Pune FC & FC Goa)

FPAI Best Foreign Player of the Year
Sony Norde (Mohun Bagan AC)

FPAI Best Coach of the Year
Santosh Kashyap (Royal Wahingdoh FC)

FPAI Fans Player of the Year
Jayesh Rane (Mumbai FC & Chennaiyin FC)

FPAI Best Indian Player of the Indian Super League 2014
Sandesh Jhingan (Kerala Blasters FC)

FPAI Best Foreign Player of the Indian Super League 2014
Iain Hume (last season: Kerala Blasters FC / now: Atlético de Kolkata)

FPAI Best Coach of the Indian Super League 2014
Antonio López Habas (Atlético de Kolkata)

FPAI Lifetime Achievement Award
Shyam Thapa