Mumbai City FC forward Lallianzuala Chhangte has earned the prestigious AIFF Men's Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, recognizing his exceptional performances throughout the 2023–24 season.

The 27-year-old Mizoram-born footballer becomes the only fifth player to achieve this feat multiple times.

Chhangte notched 11 goals and seven assists for the Islanders last season across all competitions. He also recorded 10 goals in each of the last two Indian Super League (ISL) seasons.

The Mizo forward played a pivotal role in Mumbai City FC’s ISL Cup victory in the 2023–24 season. With the Islanders, he also represented India in the AFC Champions League, where he made six appearances for the club.

Besides his success at the club level, Chhangte showcased his supremacy with the Blue Tigers. He found the back of the net against Qatar in Doha in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June 2024. The forward also assisted Manvir Singh’s solitary goal against Kuwait in November 2023.

Upon receiving the distinguished award, Chhangte stated,

"I am so honoured 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. 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."

David Lalhlansanga wins the Emerging Player of the Year award

David Lalhlansanga clinched the Emerging Player of the Year award for his stellar performances for his former club, Mohammedan SC.

The 22-year-old forward has proven his goal-scoring capabilities, amassing 11 goals and three assists with the Kolkata-based club in both the Durand Cup and I-League.

He emerged as the top scorer in the Durand Cup with six goals and dominated the Calcutta Football League (CFL) with an impressive tally of 21 goals. His vital contributions also played a significant role in the I-League, where he helped the team clinch their first-ever title.

Lalhlansanga received his first national team call-up in May 2024 for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. He has recently signed a multi-year contract with East Bengal FC during the summer transfer window, marking the next chapter in his career.

Khalid Jamil voted as the AIFF's Men's Coach of the Year

Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil has won the AIFF's Men's Coach of the Year award for getting the highest number of votes in this context.

The 47-year-old head coach took over the Men of Steel midseason and guided them to the semi-final of the Kalinga Super Cup. Under Jamil’s leadership, the team displayed resilient performances in the latter part of the ISL, including a five-match unbeaten streak in the league since his appointment.

Jamil has recently signed a two-year contract with Jamshedpur FC and is currently the only Indian head coach in the league.

Indumathi Kathiresan, Neha, and Sukla Dutta bag awards in the Women’s category

Indumathi Kathiresan has been honoured with the AIFF Women's Player of the Year award for her outstanding performance with Odisha FC in the Indian Women’s League (IWL). The midfielder played a crucial role in securing the IWL title last season and scored five goals in the tournament.

Kathiresan is the first player from Tamil Nadu to receive this accolade. The 30-year-old also scored against Estonia in the Turkish Women's Cup in February 2024 for the national team.

While receiving the award, she said, "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."

Neha has been awarded the AIFF Promising Women's Player of the Year for her outstanding performances during India's SAFF U19 Women's Championship victory in Bangladesh. The eighteen-year-old winger was instrumental, scoring three goals in Haryana's journey to the final of the Senior Women's National Football Championship for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy.

Sukla Dutta has received the AIFF Women's Coach of the Year award. She led India to the SAFF U19 Women's Championship title in Bangladesh and also secured the inaugural IWL 2 title with Sreebhumi FC as their head coach.

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2023-2024 Lallianzuala Chhangte