On Saturday, UAE’s Ahmed Khalil wished to win the AFC player of the year award for the people of the UAE and on Sunday night here at the AFC Annual Awards 2015 at Kingdom of Dreams, that wish was fulfilled. The 24-year old won the player of the year ahead of China’s Zheng Zhi and his compatriot Omar Abdulrahman.
A clearly delighted Ahmed sported a big smile after receiving the award from AFC President Shaikh Salman. He had earlier won the AFC Youth player of the year in 2008. “Yes, it’s true that I won the Youth player of the year in 2008 but this is really special for me. I always wanted to win this award not just for me but for people of UAE,” he said.
On being asked about if he wants to play in Europe in the coming years, Ahmed replied, “As of this moment I am not thinking of playing in Europe but I guess it’s everyone’s dream to play in Europe for big clubs and get fame, be successful. At present, my commitment is towards my club (Al-Ahli) and yes, I have set some goals for myself and I am working hard to get there.”
FIFA has had a turbulent time recently plagued by one scandal after the other. However, Khalil maintained that his focus is on the pitch. “A players job is to play, not to focus on anything else. Whatever happens in the body should not affect a player’s performance.”
Ahmed was in the squad for 2015 AFC Asia Cup, held in Australia where finished as the second highest scorer behind his teammate Ali Mabkhout.
Meanwhile, Diamond of Asia award went to late Abu Khalid for his numerous contributions to AFC confederation.
Australian national team and Japan’s women’s team won the AFC national team of the year awards in men’s and women’s categories respectively. Ange Postecoglou and Asako Takakura won the coach of the year in men’s and women’s categories.
AIFF President Praful Patel used the ISl as a benchmark for the popularity of the sport in India. "We are hosting the Under-17 World Cup in 2017 and then the Indian Super league in its inaugural year last season instantly became the fourth most watched tournament in the world with a viwership of 275 million. You can well imagine the possibilty of the development of the game in this country. We want to give a big push forward," he said.