India’s No. 1 striker Sunil Chetri has been voted as the AIFF Player of the Year, 2011. According to a media release by the All India Football Federation, the Mohun Bagan player has been chosen as the best by a voting by I League coaches. Chetri will get a silver plaque and Rs. 2 lakh.

In this calendar year, the Delhi boy has played 17 matches for the national team and scored 13 goals, which is also the highest by any Indian player in this year. In his 20 club appearances, he scored 11 goals.

Chetri won the player of the tournament and has been declared as the man of the match in all of India’s matches in the recently concluded SAFF Championship.

Overwhelmed Chetri told AIFF’s website, “It’s the highest recognition for an Indian footballer and I am honored to receive the award for the second time. At a time when I confined to my home with my plastered leg, this is perhaps, the best Christmas and New Year present. The Year started off well for me and ends in the best possible fashion. I’m elated. The Award explains that I’m improving with every given day.”