FPAI Awards: Jeje Lalpekhlua named Indian Player of the Year

India and Mohun Bagan forward Jeje Lalpekhlua has been named the 'Indian Player of the Year' by the Football Players Association of India (FPAI). The annual FPAI awards was held at the Cooperage Ground in Mumbai on Monday. 

The 25-year old played a crucial role in India's victory in the SAFF Cup back in January. Jeje scored thrice during India's SAFF Cup campaign. He also was adjudged the 'Emerging Player of the Year' in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2015, where he found the back of the net six times and earned three assists. 

Jeje, who hails from Mizoram, had won the FPAI Junior Indian Footballer of the Year award in 2011. He was also named as the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2013. 

"I thank God, my family and my teammates and coaching staff at Chennaiyin FC and Mohun Bagan. I thank all the players and the FPAI. The biggest inspiration in the last three years for me is myself. I have worked hard a lot after practice sessions," Jeje was quoted as saying by Goal.

Sunil Chhetri, Bikash Jairu, David Lalrinmuana and Dhanachandra Singh were also nominated in the same category, but the professional footballers chose Jeje. 

Nigerian striker Ranti Martins, who represented East Bengal in the I-League and FC Goa in ISL 2015, was adjudged the 'Foreign Player of the Year.' He won the maximum number of votes ahead of Sony Norde, Darryl Duffy, Katsumi Yusa and Cornell Glen.  

Bengaluru FC's Udanta Singh received the 'Young player of the Year' award. Bengaluru FC head coach Ashley Westwood was adjudged the 'Best Coach of the Year.' 

Mohun Bagan's Debjit Majumder won the 'Fans' Player of the Year' award.