Sandesh Jhingan is the country's 27th footballer to win the Arjuna Award, while former India coach and defender Sukhwinder became the third person in football to receive the Dhyan Chand award
Sandesh Jhingan is among the biggest names in Indian football, while Anirudh Thapa has also impressed with his game, turning out for both his club Chennaiyin FC and the national team
Acting on the Sports Ministry's directive to send nominations for this year's sports awards, the AIFF did not have much trouble in finalising the names
The India national football team held Qatar, the reigning Asian champions, to a goalless draw last month. Against Bangladesh, the Igor Stimac-coached side will look for a win.
India were dealt a blow when defensive mainstay Sandesh Jhingan was ruled out days ahead of their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh, to be played at Kolkata on October 15
