Indian football’s leading players, coaches, administrators and industry figures came together in Kolkata on Saturday as the Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI) hosted the Indian Football Awards 2026, celebrating outstanding performances and contributions to the sport.
Held at a City Hotel, the ceremony brought together some of the biggest names in Indian football, including FPAI founding president Bhaichung Bhutia, former president Renedy Singh, current president Mehraj Uddin Wadoo, General Secretary Arindam Bhattacharya and Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri.
The annual awards recognise excellence across both the men’s and women’s game, while also acknowledging the work of coaches, educators, clubs and organisations involved in developing football at various levels across the country.
Chhetri, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted the unique significance of the awards, which are decided through votes from fellow players.
“It is always a deeply humbling and proud moment to stand among brothers and sisters who give their absolute everything on the pitch,” Chhetri said. “The FPAI Awards hold a special place in our hearts because these honours are voted on directly by fellow players—the ones who truly understand the daily grind, sacrifice, and pressure.”
He congratulated the winners and said their performances were helping inspire the next generation of Indian footballers.
Bhutia, meanwhile, reflected on the association’s founding vision and the growth of the awards over the years.
“FPAI was founded with the core vision of giving Indian footballers a unified voice and a platform that respects their dedication,” Bhutia said. “Seeing how the stature of these awards and the quality of Indian football have grown over the years fills me with immense satisfaction.”
The event also underlined the growing breadth of Indian football, with discussions and recognition extending beyond elite competition to grassroots development and coach education. The Indian Super League and Indian Women’s League were among the key pillars of the modern football ecosystem represented at the gathering.
The presence of established legends alongside emerging stars gave the ceremony a broader significance, reflecting the changing landscape of Indian football and the increasing prominence of the women’s game.
