Indian footballer Lallianzuala Chhangte has been honored with the prestigious AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year award for the 2022-23 season, while Manisha Kalyan secured her second consecutive Women’s Footballer of the Year award. Let’s take a closer look at their achievements.
Lallianzuala Chhangte: The Star Midfielder
Lallianzuala Chhangte clinched the AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year award due to his outstanding performances for both the Indian national team and his club, Mumbai City FC. The 26-year-old winger showcased his talent in 12 appearances for the national team during the 2022-23 season, contributing two goals and one assist.
Impressive Contributions: In addition to his national team performances, Chhangte emerged as the top Indian scorer in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season. With 10 goals and six assists in 22 appearances, he played a crucial role in Mumbai City FC’s journey to the semi-finals after finishing as league leaders. Chhangte’s impressive performances earned him the distinction of being the second player from Mizoram, following Jeje Lalpekhlua in 2016, to win the AIFF Men’s Player of the Year award.
Manisha Kalyan: A Rising Talent
Manisha Kalyan claimed the AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year 2022-23 award, surpassing strong contenders such as Dalima Chhibber and Ngangbam Sweety Devi. This accolade marked her second consecutive recognition, further highlighting her talent and consistency. The 21-year-old forward currently represents Apollon, a first division football club in Cyprus.
A Stellar Career: Kalyan’s football journey has been remarkable. She previously won the AIFF Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year award in 2020-21. By winning the AIFF Women’s Player of the Year award multiple times, Kalyan joined the elite ranks of Indian female footballers such as Bala Devi (three-time winner) and Bembem Devi (two-time winner).
AIFF Player of the Year Award Winners for 2022-23
Apart from Lallianzuala Chhangte and Manisha Kalyan, other notable recipients of the AIFF awards for the 2022-23 season include Akash Mishra, who was named the AIFF Men’s Emerging Footballer of the Year, and Shilji Shaji, who secured the AIFF Women’s Emerging Footballer of the Year title.
In conclusion, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Manisha Kalyan have been rightfully recognized for their exceptional performances and contributions to Indian football. Their achievements not only reflect their individual talent but also highlight the growth and potential of Indian football on both the national and international stages.
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