AIFF nominates Sandesh Jhingan, Bala Devi for Arjuna

New Delhi, May 12

The All India Football Federation has nominated national team central defender Sandesh Jhingan and women’s team striker N Bala Devi 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 in view their consistent showings. So, it’s one male and one female,” said AIFF general secretary Kushal Das.

He said their names had been considered for the prestigious award because of their achievements and consistency in recent times.

Mohali lad Jhingan, who spent his formative years playing alongside 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.

He has worn the captain’s armband on several occasions.

For the Blasters in the Indian Super League, Jhingan has also often shouldered the responsibility as right-back.

The 26-year-old is known for his physical strength, aerial ball skills and willingness to put the body on the line.

“I’m lucky to be a part of this team,” Jhingan had said recently.

While he has always strived for consistency, Jhingan was at his best during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Another name that has attracted attention in Indian football is Bala Devi.

Earlier this year, the 30-year-old Manipuri created history when she signed an 18-month contract with renowned Scottish Women’s Premier League side Rangers FC, becoming the first Indian woman to play outside the country professionally.

She has played quite a bit in the European top-flight before the league was postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bala Devi was among the leading players of the continent to join the Asian Football Confederation’s #BreakTheChain video campaign, aimed at raising awareness in the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus. PTI