Churchill Brothers’ Balwant Singh adjudged FPAI Indian Player of the Year

The winners at the 2014 FPAI Awards (from left to right): Balwant Singh, Alwyn George, Boithang Haokip, Darryl Duffy

Churchill Brothers and India striker Balwant won the Indian Player of the Year accolade at the 2014 FPAI (Football Players Association of India) Indian Football Awards, held in Kolkata on Tuesday.

Balwant has scored 16 goals in all competitions this season including ten in the I-League which eventually helped Churchill Brothers survive. It is a remarkable comeback from a player who hardly played in the previous two seasons due to injuries.

“I would like to thank God, my club and teammates. I had to work really hard to come back at the top level and this award will motivate me further,” said Balwant, who had made his senior India debut against Bangladesh in March.

Bengaluru FC’s I-League winning coach Ashley Westwood was adjudged the Best Coach while Shillong Lajong’s Boithang Haokip won the Fans’ Player of the Year award.

Dempo’s Alwyn George was a surprise choice for the Young Player of the Year award but he has now won in this category for two straight editions. Salgaocar’s Scottish striker Darryl Duffy, who finished as the joint top scorer of the I-League with 14 goals, won the Foreign Player of the Year award.

“It has been a completely different experience for me in India but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and am honoured to get this award,” Duffy stated.

Mohun Bagan legend Jose Ramirez Barreto was given a special award for his contribution to Indian football. The Brazilian announced his retirement this season after narrowly missing out on I-League promotion with Kolkata’s Bhowanipore.

The legendary PK Banerjee was also felicitated as he received the Lifetime Achievement award.