Rafi named FPAI Player of the Year

Churchill Brothers striker Mohammad Rafi was on Sunday named Indian Player of the Year in the Football Players Association of India awards night in New Delhi on Sunday.

Dempo's Joaquim Abranches was declared Young Player of the Year while another Churchill player Odafe Okolie was named the Foreign Player of the Year. Dempo's Anthony Pereira was named Fittest Player of the Year.

Pune FC and India goalkeeper Subrata Paul was chosen as the Fan Player of the Year while Dempo's Armando Colaco won the Coach of the Year award at a glittering function attended by Asian Football Confederation President Mohammed bin Hammam.

All India Football Federation President Praful Patel, other top AIFF officials, national team players and chief coach Bob Houghton were also present on the occasion.

Bollywood actors and football enthusiasts John Abraham and Rahul Bose were also present. "I thank all my team-mates for helping me win this award," Rafi said.

Houghton said the biggest strength of Indian football team is its unity and praised FPAI President Bhaichung Bhutia for his leadership qualities.

"Indian football's biggest strength is its team unity. Bhaichung is Indian football icon but he is just like one of the members  when he is with the team," he said.