Asian Football Awards 2024: Winners Include Hamza Choudhury and Yan Dhanda at Wembley

Highlights from the 2024 Asian Football Awards

The prestigious 2024 Asian Football Awards took place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, celebrating the outstanding contributions of South Asian footballers. This year's event saw prominent players and coaches recognized for their talents and hard work on and off the pitch.

Key Winners of the Night

• Men's Player Award: Hamza Choudhury (Leicester City) and Yan Dhanda (Hearts)
• Women's Player Award: Kira Rai (Derby County)
• Young Player Award: Zidane Iqbal (FC Utrecht)
• Coach Award: Shadab Iftikhar (Wigan)

Recognizing South Asian Talent

In a night filled with excitement and celebration, Hamza Choudhury continued his successful run, having also been named Sports Personality of the Year at the recent Asian Achievers Awards. His co-winner, Yan Dhanda, who recently joined Hearts, has made headlines with his performances.

On the women’s side, Kira Rai triumphed over strong contenders, including Millie Chandarana from Nottingham Forest and Aqsa Mushtaq from OFI Crete. Rai's contributions to her team have not gone unnoticed, earning her this well-deserved accolade.

Zidane Iqbal's Rising Star

Zidane Iqbal, a product of the Manchester United youth system, now excelling at FC Utrecht, received the Young Player of the Year award, highlighting his rapid development within the game. His journey proves that dedication and hard work can lead to recognition on major platforms.

Celebrating Coaches and Initiatives

This year's awards also honored Shadab Iftikhar, who was recognized for his coaching excellence at Wigan. His commitment to nurturing young talents exemplifies the growth of South Asians in football.

The Significance of the Event

Hosted by Sky Sports News' Dharmesh Sheth, the awards not only celebrated individual talents but also spotlighted the collective achievements of British South Asians in football. The event featured the FA Cup trophy and showcased the British South Asians in Football Team of the Season, emphasizing the contributions of South Asian players across various leagues.

Conclusion

The Asian Football Awards is a testament to the growing influence and recognition of South Asian athletes in the world of football. Supported by organizations such as the FA, PFA, and Premier League, the event reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the sport.

For further updates, visit the Sky Sports website