Sunil Chhetri named AIFF Player of the Year for sixth time
New Delhi, July 9: Talismanic Indian captain Sunil Chhetri was Tuesday named as the AIFF Men's Footballer of the Year for a record-extending sixth time.
The 34-year-old striker, who has been in peak form in the last couple of years, has earlier won the honour in 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2017. He currently plays for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
Chhetri is currently the second highest international goal scorers among active players with 70 strikes to his name, behind Cristiano Ronaldo (149). He has gone past Lionel Messi (68), who is third in the list, during the 2019 Intercontinental Cup opener against Tajikistan.
Chhetri is the most capped player of the country with 109 matches, ahead of former captain Bhaichung Bhutia (107).
"The fact that this was voted by the Hero I-League and Hero ISL coaches makes it all the more special. I am grateful to my club members, coaches, fellow players, the national team staff, and the fans for their support, love, and affection," Chhetri said.
On being reminded about winning the award for the sixth time, he added: "I never play for Awards. But yeah, it feels nice when your hard work gets recognised. This is an added motivation to do better."
India midfielder Abdul Samad was named the AIFF Emerging Men's Player of the Year.
Ace India international Ashalata Devi was named the AIFF Women's Footballer of the Year 2018-19, while Dangmei Grace was adjudged the AIFF Emerging Women's Footballer of the Year 2018-19.
Best Grassroots Development Programme award will be given to Jammu and Kashmir Football Association while R Venkatesh of Tamil Nadu won the award for the best referee.
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Woman falls to death from ranger swing ride at Vijayapura exhibition ground
Vijayapura (Karnataka), Oct 23: A 21-year-old woman died of head injuries after falling off a ranger swing ride at an exhibition ground here, police said on Wednesday.
They said it happened around 7 pm on Sunday. The deceased was identified as Nikitha Biradar.
Biradar had gone to the exhibition ground with her mother and some friends.
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According to police, the victim fell off the ride from a height after her safety bar broke and the safety belt she was wearing ripped.
She sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at a hospital, a senior police official said.
He said a case has been registered against the event manager and the ride operator under section 106 (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
