WIFA Hosts Maharashtra State Award Ceremony 2024-25 at Cooperage Stadium

by Chandler D'silva September 29, 2025

The Western India Football Association (WIFA) successfully conducted the Maharashtra State Award Ceremony 2024-25 on 27th September 2025 at the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai. Held immediately after WIFA’s 76th Ordinary General Body Meeting, the event served as a prestigious platform to recognize and honour the exceptional contributions of players, coaches, officials, and clubs who have played a pivotal role in the growth and development of football across Maharashtra.

The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, adding grandeur to the occasion. Leading the event was WIFA President Shri Praful M. Patel, joined by Shri Chhatrapati Maloji Raje, Dr. Vishwajeet Kadam, and Shri Sunil Dhande, the Vice Presidents of WIFA. Their presence highlighted WIFA’s unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving football ecosystem in the state. In his address, Shri Praful Patel extended warm congratulations to all the award winners and lauded their dedication to the sport. He also shared his vision of scaling the award ceremony to greater heights in the years ahead, in step with the rising standards and accomplishments within Maharashtra football.

The Maharashtra State Award Ceremony 2024-25 stood as a powerful testament to WIFA’s continued efforts to elevate football in the region — recognizing dedication, encouraging excellence, and inspiring the next generation of footballers in Maharashtra.

List of Awardees – WIFA Awards 2024-25

Lifetime Achievement Awards

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sanman Puraskar (Administrator Category): Shri Haresh Vora
• Rajmata Jijau Football Vikas Puraskar (Grassroots & Community Building): Shri Sunil Poojari

District Awards

• Top Performing District in WIFA Competitions: Mumbai Football Association
• District Promoting Football Through Tournaments: Dhule District Football Association

Individual Awards – Coaches

• WIFA Coach of the Year (Senior Men): Shri Paresh Shivalkar
• WIFA Coach of the Year (Senior Women): Smt. Surbhi Manjrekar
• WIFA Coach of the Year (Youth – Boys): Shri Shrungar Raul
• WIFA Coach of the Year (Youth – Girls): Kumari Prithvi Gaikwad

Individual Awards – Players

• WIFA Best Player of the Year (Senior Men): Shri Yash Shukla
• WIFA Best Player of the Year (Senior Women): Kumari Prerna Meshram
• WIFA Best Player of the Year (Youth – Boys): Kumar Yuvraj Kadam
• WIFA Best Player of the Year (Youth – Girls): Kumari Gauri Gurav

Referee Awards

• WIFA Referee of the Year (Men): Shri Divyesh Ule
• WIFA Referee of the Year (Women): Kumari Anushka Pandit

Maharashtra State Youth & Senior League Awards

Youth Club League – Sub Junior (Boys)

• Champions: Rising Pune
• Runners-Up: Oscar Foundation

Youth Club League – Junior (Boys)

• Champions: Loukik FA
• Runners-Up: D’souza FA

Youth Club League – U-17 Elite (Boys)

• Champions: D’souza FA
• Runners-Up: Sports Mania FDC

Youth Club League – Junior Girls

• Champions: YMCC
• Runners-Up: KMP Aspire FC

Senior Women’s Club League

• Champions: Mumbai Knights
• Runners-Up: Aspire FC

Senior Men’s Club League

• Champions: Magic Made Soccer
• Runners-Up: MYJ – GMSC

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings of Indian Football.