India win AFC developing member award at Asian football's annual gala

Courtesy: Twitter (@theafcdotcom)

New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) won the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Developing Member Association of the Year Award at the Annual Awards Night on Thursday at Abu Dhabi.

The award is given to a member association for its professional administration and governance as well its exceptional contribution to the development and promotion of the game at all levels within the country.

India, often described as the sleeping giant of football, witnessed a flurry of activities. From the successful transition of the Indian Super League (ISL) as a leading tournament to the positive feedbacks as the host of next years' FIFA U-17 World Cup, the AIFF has been making all the right noises in recent times.

Member associations are assessed and awarded points accordingly on various areas encompassing the association’s activities such as the organisation of courses and seminars, competitions, grassroots and youth development programmes, women’s programmes, social responsibility and special projects.

AIFF President Praful Patel received the Award from AFC Vice-President Ali Kafashian at a glittering ceremony.

I am grateful to the #AFC Executive Committee & to AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa for their conviction & patronage.

— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) December 1, 2016

In 2014, AIFF had won the AFC President’s Recognition Award for grassroots football.

Other winners of the night are:

The AFC Asian International Player of the Year : Shinji Okazaki (Japan)
The AFC Youth Player of the Year (Men) : Ritsu Doan (Japan)
The AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women) : Fuka Nagano (Japan)
The AFC Futsal Player of the Year 2016: Aliasghar Hasanzadeh (Iran)
The AFC Player of the Year (Men) : Omar Abdulrahman (United Arab Emirates)
The AFC Player of the Year 2016 (Women) : Caitlin Foord (Australia)
The AFC Coach of the Year 2016 (Men) : Choi Kang-hee (South Korean)
The Coach of the Year 2016 (Women) : Chan Yuen Ting (Hong Kong)
AFC President Recognition Award for Grassroots Football (Developing) : Philippine Football Federation
AFC Dream Asia Award: Qatar
AFC Diamond of Asia: Issa Hayatou (Cameroon)

(With PTI inputs)