Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury and Hearts attacking midfielder Yan Dhanda lead the shortlist at the 2024 Asian Football Awards at Wembley Stadium.
The pair were nominated for the Men’s Player of the Year award, along with the Pakistan captain and former Aston Villa youngster. Easah Suliman.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Mille Chandarana, Derby County winger Count Rai and OFI attackers Crete Aqsa Mushtaq will compete for the Women’s Player of the Year award.
The Young Player Award will be contested by Birmingham City Brandon Kela, City of Leicester Asmita Ale and former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal, who currently plays for Dutch Eredivisie team FC Utrecht.
The Asian Football Awards celebrate individuals and organizations who are making an impact for South Asians in the UK. Returning to Wembley Stadium on September 25, the awards will be held once again Sky Sports News teacher transfer Dharmesh Seth.
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The event is sponsored by The FA, Premier League, PFA, PGMOL and Fans for Diversity campaign.
Wigan Athletic first team coach Shadab Iftikhar, Farsley Celtic manager Pav Singh and former Aston Villa defender Neil Taylor – who was appointed Wales U21 manager last year – made the shortlist for Coach of the Year.
It promises to be a memorable night for Sky Sports, with a clean slate of nominations for Media Awards. Sky Sports’ Dev Trehan, Sky Sports News presenter Vaishali Bhardwaj and Soccer Saturday matchday reporter Aaron Paul is in contention for the accolade.
Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth is back to host the Asian Football Awards 2024
Other award categories include the Grassroots Award, Fans’ Group of the Year, Premier League Academy Award, Match Official of the Year, Community Club of the Year, Inclusion Project of the Year and the Inspiration Award.
Founder of Asian Football Awards Baljit Rihal toward Sky Sports News: “We are absolutely delighted with the caliber of nominations we have received at this year’s Asian Football Awards.
“The journey and achievements of South Asians in football across the UK is not only impressive to us as an organiser, but will certainly resonate with the wider community.
“This shortlist represents something we can be proud of, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication in our community.
“We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to nominate, helping to bring this incredible story to life.
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“It is with great honor that we return to Wembley Stadium to celebrate South Asian excellence in football.”
Team of the Season goes to the home of English football
South Asia’s British Football Team of the Season will also be showcased at Wembley Stadium at the Asian Football Awards.
The annual combined squad and XI celebrates the on-field contribution made by English South Asians in football leagues around the world, and has previously featured at elite and semi-professional English clubs including Brentford, Sporting Khalsa, Leicester City and Punjab United.
All footballers selected at the Asian Footbll Awards are part of the 2023/24 South Asian Football Team, with seven players taking their place in the starting XI.
Shrewsbury Town full-back Mall Benning said exclusively for Sky Sports News after studying he became one of the players who appeared in the team for the second year in a row.
“I’m over the moon. It’s a privilege to be named in any Team of the Season and to be named in South Asia in Football is something I’m very proud of and a privilege to be a part of,” Benning said Sky Sports News.
“There’s a lot of hard work and discipline that goes into it. You have to stay focused on your work every day, but it’s always nice to be recognized like this.
“There aren’t many South Asians in the game so to feature him in a Team of the Season like this is huge.”
English South Asia in football
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