Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri. (Photo courtesy: Bengaluru FC)
The individual awards of the Hero I-League 2016-17 are, finally, confirmed following a rigorous election process where all ten coaches and captains casted their votes.
Debjit Majumder (Mohun Bagan AC), with 8 clean sheets, wins the “Best Goalkeeper Award” of this season.
Anas Edathodika (Mohun Bagan AC), who recently made his international debut also, edges others to win the “Best Defender of Hero I-League 2016-17” Award.
Alfred Kemah Jaryan (Aizawl FC), who was suspended from playing the final game of Hero I-League 2016-17, is adjudged as the “Best Midfielder of Hero I-League 2016-17”.
There was very little competition for the “Best Striker Award” as Aser Pierrick Dipanda Dicka (Shillong Lajong FC) grabs the award, thanks to his tally of 11 goals in 18 matches.
The “Best Emerging Player of Hero I-League” Award was inducted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) this season to encourage the youngsters and Jerry Lalrinzuala (DSK Shivajians FC) grabs the award this season.
The most coveted award of the Hero I-League 2016-17, the “Hero of I-League” Award goes to Bengaluru FC skipper Sunil Chhetri, who scored 7 goals in the Hero I-League 2016-17.
Khalid Jamil, who guided Aizawl FC to their historic I-League victory, is bestowed with the “Syed Abdul Rahim Best Coach Award”.
Meanwhile, Churchill Brothers SC, who made a comeback to the fray after a hiatus, win the “Fairplay Award” of the Hero I-league 2016-17.
DSK Shivajians FC and Bengaluru FC share the “Best Organiser Award” this season on the basis of points awarded by the respective Match Commissioners.
(AIFF Media)