South Asians in Football Team of the Season at Wembley Stadium: Asian Football Awards

The South Asians in Football Team of the Season: Celebrating Diversity in the Game

Next month, Wembley Stadium will host the much-anticipated 2024 Asian Football Awards, with a special highlight on the South Asians in Football Team of the Season. This esteemed recognition aims to honor and celebrate the achievements of talented British South Asians in football, showcasing their growth and contributions to the sport.

Highlighting Achievements of South Asian Players

The 2023/24 Team of the Season, curated by Dev Trehan from Sky Sports News and former Eastern Eye sports editor Zohaib Rashid, underscores the on-pitch excellence exhibited by these athletes. The awards return to Wembley Stadium on September 25 and will once again be hosted by renowned Sky Sports News transfers expert Dharmesh Sheth.

Support from Football's Body

This prestigious event garners support from various influential organizations including the Football Association, Premier League, Professional Footballers' Association, and PGMOL. Collaboratively, they aim to address the ongoing challenges faced by South Asians in football, particularly under-representation.

Players Honored in the Team of the Season

This year’s Team of the Season features standout players such as:

• Yan Dhanda: The Hearts attacking midfielder, previously awarded the Up-and-Coming Player accolade at the 2013 awards, expressed his pride in maintaining his spot in the Team of the Season. "I’m super-proud to be in the team again," Dhanda stated.
• Mal Benning: Full-back for Shrewsbury Town, Benning conveyed his excitement over being recognized, emphasizing the hard work it takes to achieve such accolades.
• Millie Chandarana: The only South Asian woman with a professional contract in the Women's Championship last term retained her position in the lineup. She praised the representation of both male and female British South Asians in the team.

Addressing Under-Representation in Football

According to Baljit Rihal, founder of the Asian Football Awards, reviving these awards is crucial for increasing awareness about the under-representation of the South Asian community in professional football. Rihal noted, "Our last awards were in 2017, and so much has happened since then, yet the overarching issue persists."

Commitment to Diversity

Dal Darroch, head of diversity programs at the FA, reiterated the importance of celebrating individuals making a positive impact on South Asian communities across the UK. He stated, "Creating opportunities for South Asian communities is very important to us, and we are committed to driving this forward."

What's Next for the South Asians in Football Community?

The South Asians in Football Team of the Season aims to shine a spotlight on role models and inspire future generations. As the football community continues to evolve, the goal is to foster an inclusive environment where diverse talents can thrive.

In conclusion, the 2024 Asian Football Awards not only aims to celebrate accomplishments but also seeks to catalyze change in the representation of South Asians in football, closing gaps that have persisted for years.