Anirudh Thapa becomes first to win AIFF Men’s Emerging Player of Year award twice

Chennai, September 25, 2020: Chennaiyin FC and Indian National Team midfielder Anirudh Thapa has been adjudged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Men’s Emerging Footballer of the Year for 2019-20 following a stellar season for club and country. Thapa was selected as the winner on the basis of votes from Indian Super League and I-League club coaches.

A mark of consistency and growth for the star from Dehradun is highlighted in the fact that this is the second time that he has bagged this prestigious accolade, having received the honour in 2017-18 as well. The 22-year-old diminutive Thapa also becomes the first player to win the award twice.

“I would like to thank AIFF, all my teammates and coaching staff to help me achieve whatever I could. We have garnered some fantastic performances at the club front as well as for the National team last year but we need to push harder to raise the bar and we can surely do that,” Thapa quipped. “That fact that I was voted by coaches from the clubs makes this all the more special,” said Thapa on receiving the huge honor.

“Winning the award a second time doesn’t hold any huge significance for me in terms of personal pride. Apart from the fact that it is a reminder for me to keep working hard in helping my club and country achieve success. And improving my game in the process. It only motivates me to become more responsible, on and off the pitch,” he added.

Thapa had a memorable 2019-20 ISL campaign with Chennaiyin, as he became the second-highest assist-provider among Indians (six assists), while also scoring from distance against FC Goa in the semi-final. More importantly, the 2017-18 ISL title winner was a vital cog in the CFC wheel, providing the perfect link between defence and attack. He was also a mainstay for the national team, continuing his run in the side from the AFC Asian Cup to the Intercontinental Cup, followed by the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, that included a top performance in the fighting 0-0 draw against Asian champions Qatar.