Wembley Stadium played host to the third Asian Football Awards on Thursday, with players, coaches and professionals from across the game recognised at the ceremony.
It was hosted by Noreen Khan of the BBC Asian Network and Sky Sport News reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
This year special emphasis was placed on grassroots football and those who work behind the scenes to champion the cause.
Neil Taylor, centre, with Manish Bhasin, left, and Baljit Rihal
Founder of the Asian Football Awards, Baljit Rihal said: “Our hope this that these awards will once again raise the Asians in football debate in the mainstream media and that influential organisations make an intensive effort to rectify the longstanding imbalance.
“There is still much work to be done as progress in increasing reputation across the industry has been far too slow.”
“I’m delighted that among the winners were individuals supported by The FA via the equality and participation teams”
Kelly Simmons FA director of participation and development
FA director of participation and development Kelly Simmons, who was on hand to present an award added: “The awards recognise both individual Asians excelling in roles in football and also good practice from organisations addressing under representation.
"I’m delighted that among the winners were individuals supported by The FA via the equality and participation teams."
Other winners on the night included former West Ham player Anwar Uddin who is diversity manager at the Football Supporters Federation and the Leicester-based Khalsa Football Foundation which has been championing the Asians in football cause since the 1960s.
The Woman in Football Award went to West Ham United and Indian international goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan, Young Player of the Year was Easah Suliman of Aston Villa and England and the player of the year gong went to Neil Taylor of Swansea City and Wales.
