Bhubaneswar, May 2 (NationPress) - Subhasish Bose from Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Soumya Guguloth from East Bengal have been awarded the prestigious All India Football Federation (AIFF) Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year awards for the 2024-25 season, during a ceremony in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

The accolades recognized their significant contributions during their clubs' remarkable seasons. Bose, a relentless left-back and a defensive stalwart for Mohun Bagan, played a crucial role in the club's record-setting campaign, leading them to secure both the Indian Super League (ISL) Shield and Cup titles.

His unwavering leadership and defensive prowess were vital as Bagan achieved an impressive 570-minute streak without conceding a goal, marking the longest such record in ISL history.

On the other hand, Soumya Guguloth, the midfield powerhouse of East Bengal, was instrumental in the club's first-ever triumph in the Indian Women’s League (IWL). She finished the season as the third-highest goalscorer with nine goals, including the crucial goal in the 1-0 title-clinching match against Odisha FC on April 11 in Kolkata.

Enhancing Mohun Bagan’s celebration, Vishal Kaith — who is also a part of the Indian national team alongside Bose — received the Best Men’s Goalkeeper award. Kaith’s outstanding performance, with 15 clean sheets in 26 matches, earned him the ISL Golden Glove and solidified his position as one of India's top goalkeepers.

In the women’s category, East Bengal’s Elangbam Panthoi Chanu was honored with the Best Goalkeeper award, having conceded only 10 goals in 14 matches, which was pivotal in East Bengal's IWL victory.

The event also celebrated emerging talent. FC Goa’s midfielder Brison Fernandes, already recognized as the ISL’s Emerging Player of the Season, was awarded the AIFF’s Promising Men’s Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Toijam Thoibisana Chanu of Sribhumi FC was awarded the Promising Player of the Year in the women's category for her outstanding performance as a solid defender.

Coaching excellence was also recognized, with Khalid Jamil, who led NorthEast United to an impressive ISL Cup semi-finals and a fifth-place league finish, named Men’s Coach of the Year. His team is also set to compete in the Super Cup final against FC Goa on Saturday. Sujata Kar, who managed Sribhumi FC’s campaign, received the Women’s Coach of the Year accolade.

Referees and match officials also received recognition for their contributions. Venkatesh R and Tekcham Ranjita Devi were named the Best Men’s and Women’s Referees, respectively, while Vairamuthu P and Riiohlang Dhar were acknowledged as top assistant referees in their respective categories.