Shillong, Aug 30: Two Meghalayans, Sanfida Nongrum and Phrangki Buam (pictured left and right), were recognised for their standout performances during the past season at the Football Players Association of India awards night yesterday.
Sanfida was named Women’s Young Player of the Year while Phrangki was the I-League Player of the Year.
The big awards of Indian Player of the Year and Indian Women’s Player of the Year went to India and Mohun Bagan midfielder and Lallianzuala Chhangte and Manisha Kalyan respectively.
Sanfida made her international debut only this year, scoring 7 minutes into her first match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in Australia in March. She was then named Most Valuable Player of the SAFF Women’s Championship 2026, which India won.
Phrangki was an MVP himself, of the Indian Football League (the new name of the I-League). He was the top Indian scorer with 8 goals, which is just one fewer than the IFL’s overall Top Scorer (Marcus Joseph with 9). His club, Shillong Lajong FC, finished in an historic second place.
Awardees:
Indian Player of the Year: Lallianzuala Chhangte
Indian Women’s Player of the Year: Manisha Kalyan
Young Player of the Year: Sanan Mohammed K
Women’s Young Player of the Year: Sanfida Nongrum
Foreign Player of the Year: Miguel Figueira Damasceno
I-League Player of the Year: Phrangki Buam
Coach of the Year: Owen Coyle
Women’s Coach of the Year: Anthony Andrews
Coach Education Award: Savio Medeira
Player Performance & Development Award: Rapid Sports & The Right Weigh
ISL Champions 2025-26: East Bengal FC
IWL Champions 2025-26: East Bengal FC Women
