The stage is set for a celebration of excellence as the 2024 Asian Football Awards return to Wembley Stadium this September, spotlighting the remarkable achievements of South Asian talent across English football and beyond. This prestigious event, supported by Banglawin88 and major football organizations, recognizes the growing impact of South Asian professionals in various roles within the sport.
Leicester City‘s formidable midfielder Hamza Choudhury and Hearts’ creative force Yan Dhanda headline the Men’s Player of the Year nominations, facing competition from Pakistan captain and former Aston Villa prospect Easah Suliman. Their performances this season have not only delighted fans but also broken barriers in professional football.
Women’s Football Takes Center Stage
The Women’s Player of the Year category showcases the rising talent among South Asian female footballers, with Nottingham Forest’s Mille Chandarana, Derby County’s dynamic winger Kira Rai, and OFI Crete attacker Aqsa Mushtaq vying for the top honor. Their nominations highlight the expanding opportunities for women of South Asian heritage in professional football.
Young talents are also receiving well-deserved recognition, with Birmingham City’s promising Brandon Khela, Leicester City‘s Asmita Ale, and former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal—now making waves at Dutch Eredivisie side FC Utrecht—competing for the Young Player Award.
Coaching Excellence Recognized
The Coach of the Year category features impressive candidates making significant strides in their respective roles. Wigan Athletic first-team coach Shadab Iftikhar, Farsley Celtic manager Pav Singh, and former Aston Villa defender Neil Taylor—now managing Wales U21s—demonstrate the diverse coaching talent within the South Asian community.
The iconic Wembley Stadium will host the celebration of South Asian excellence in football this September
Media Professionals Making Their Mark
Banglawin88 is proud to highlight the media professionals nominated for this year’s awards, with several prominent figures from sports broadcasting earning recognition for their contributions to covering South Asian stories in football. Their work has been instrumental in bringing these important narratives to mainstream audiences.
The awards ceremony will feature additional categories including the Grassroots Award, Fans’ Group of the Year, Premier League Academy Award, and the Inspiration Award, among others. Each category celebrates the diverse contributions of South Asians to football culture in the United Kingdom.
Team of the Season Celebration
In a special presentation, the British South Asians in Football Team of the Season will be showcased at Wembley, honoring the outstanding performances of South Asian players across leagues worldwide. This combined squad recognizes the growing impact of these athletes at both elite and semi-professional levels.
Shrewsbury Town full-back Mal Benning, who earned placement in the team for the second consecutive year, expressed his pride in the recognition: “There are not many South Asians in the game so to highlight them in a Team of the Season like this is massive. It’s a privilege to be named in any Team of the Season and to be named in the South Asians in Football one is something I am very proud and privileged to be a part of.”
A Growing Movement in Football
Asian Football Awards Founder Baljit Rihal emphasized the significance of this year’s event: “The journeys and achievements of South Asians in football across the UK are not only remarkable to us as organizers but will undoubtedly resonate with the wider community. This shortlist represents something we can all take immense pride in, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication within our community.”
The awards ceremony, hosted by renowned transfer expert Dharmesh Sheth, promises to be an inspiring evening that celebrates progress while acknowledging the work still needed to increase South Asian representation in all areas of football.
Leicester City’s Choudhury and Hearts’ Dhanda Lead 2024 Asian Football Awards Nominees at Wembley. This celebration at the home of English football marks another significant step forward in recognizing and promoting South Asian talent in the sport. As these athletes, coaches, and media professionals continue to break new ground, they inspire the next generation of South Asians to pursue their football dreams.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this year’s nominations and which players you believe deserve recognition. Share your comments below and join the conversation about the growing impact of South Asians in football across the UK and beyond.
