Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was named the AIFF Men's Footballer of the Year on the basis of votes from Indian Super League and I-League club coaches.
Subrata Paul said Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu will win more accolades in the future including Padma Shri.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Sunil Chhetri play for Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
Bengaluru FC secured a 1-0 win over Hyderabad FC thanks to Nishu Kumar's early strike and a penalty save by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
ISL: Mumbai City FC climbed to the sixth spot with 10 points from eight matches while Bengaluru FC's first defeat of the season has left them third, with 13 points.
ISL: Bengaluru FC defender Juanan Gonzalez scored his first goal of the season which extended his side's unbeaten run and fired them to the top of the table.
ISL: Jamshedpur FC, despite the draw, remain at the top of the standings with seven points from three matches.
After the match, hundreds of Indian fans launched celebrations but some of the sparkle of India's achievement was lost following chaotic scenes as visiting fans struggled to enter the stadium.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu says his team has a good chance of upstaging Oman in Thursday's World Cup qualifying opener in Guwahati.
Sunil Chettri was the last footballer to win the Arjuna Award in 2011.
India will be taking part in the Kings Cup in June ahead of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.
India will have a chance to book their maiden knock-out round berth.
Sunil Chhetri will equal former captain Bhaichung Bhutia's record of highest appearances for the country.
India thrashed Thailand 4-1 in their opening game.
India play their first match against Thailand on January 6, with matches against hosts UAE and Bahrain slotted for January 10 and January 14.
Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu has been handed a two-match suspension and a fine of Rs 3 lakh by the Indian Super League for his "violent conduct" during his side's away match against FC Goa last week.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who captained India to a 4-1 win in the last international friendly against Puerto Rico in Mumbai, lauded former India striker Abhishek Yadav, who heads the scouting project
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu started for Norwegian Tippeligaen club Stabaek FC in an Europa League qualifier against Welsh side Connah's Quay Nomads FC, but he had to leave the field due to a hand injury
