New Delhi, May 12: The All India Football Federation has homed in on national team central defender Sandesh Jhingan and women’s team striker N Bala Devi as its nominations for the Arjuna Award, rewarding them for their consistency in recent years.
Acting on the Sports Ministry’s directive to send nominations for this year’s sports awards, the AIFF did not have much trouble in finalising the names.
“We have decided to send the names of Sandesh and Bala Devi for the Arjuna Award keeping their consistent showings. So, it’s one male and one female,” AIFF general secretary Kushal Das said.
He said their names have been considered for the prestigious award because of the their achievements as well as consistency in recent times.
The 26-year-old Jhingan, who has spent his formative years playing alongside the great Bhaichung Bhutia and set-piece specialist Rennedy Singh in Sikkim United, has over the years established himself as one of the most important players in the Indian team behind only Sunil Chhetri.
Since making his India debut during a FIFA World Cup qualifier in 2015, ISL outfit Kerala Blasters’ most-capped player has firmly cemented his players in the Indian team back-line.
His growth and maturity as a player impressed former national team coach Stephen Constantine so much that he handed him the captaincy when Chhetri was not around due to in injuries the coach was experimenting with his rotation policy in leadership.
He has so far worn the captain’s armband on several occasions.
For the Blasters in the Indian Super League, Jhingan has also often shouldered responsibility as right-back. (PTI)
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