Odisha’s Pyari Xaxa Claims Top Women’s Football Honor

At the Indian Football Awards 2025, Pyari Xaxa, the standout player from Odisha and India, was awarded the title of Best Women’s Indian Player of the Year. The awards, organized by the Football Players Association of India (FPAI), were held in Shillong on June 29. Pyari, currently with the national team for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in Thailand, represents Odisha FC Women in the IWL. The star player from Sundargarh, Odisha, made headlines by scoring five goals in India’s impressive 13-0 victory over Mongolia. Football veteran Sunil Chhetri was also recognized, receiving the Indian Player of the Year award after coming out of international retirement. The awards were determined by votes from active footballers, ensuring that players themselves selected the winners. Other award recipients included Brison Fernandes, Alaaeddine Ajaraie, Edmund Lalrindika, Khalid Jamil, and Naorem Priyanka Devi.