Yan Dhanda, alongside Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury, has won The Player award at the Asian Football Awards, celebrating his achievements as an outstanding role model for South Asians in the UK.
Our attacker collected his trophy at a ceremony at Wembley last night, having previously been crowned Young Player of the Year in 2013 as a youngster playing in Liverpool’s academy.
Since establishing a home for himself in Scottish football with Ross County and then the Jambos, Yan has blazed a trail for South Asian footballers and supporters thanks to his eye-catching performances on the pitch, and support for the community away from it.
Founded in 2012, the Asian Football Awards seeks to highlight and celebrate the successes and contributions of South Asians to the sport in the UK. Including excellence on and off the pitch, along with recognising community and voluntary efforts.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Yan said: “I’m very proud. A lot of kids look up to professional Asian players because they want to start in professional football.
“I’m very happy to win this award, especially when you see the number of talented footballers that were in contention. I’ve done well at Ross County and had the chance to come to Hearts and play in Europe.
“I’m hopeful that young kids in academies can take belief from it and see that they can make it as professional footballers too.”
Asian Football Awards founder Baljit Rihal added: One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Yan Dhanda, currently playing in the William Hill Premiership with Hearts, pick up the Player Award as joint winner with Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury.
"Yan’s recent success and move to Hearts further proves his talent and the ability of South Asian players to excel at the highest levels of the game.
"His journey is an inspiration to aspiring footballers across the UK, and his recognition underscores the importance of platforms like the AFA in celebrating and amplifying South Asian talent."
All images courtesy of Baljit Rihal and the Asian Football Awards.
