New Delhi: FC Goa forward ThongkhosiemHaokip feels “honoured” towin the Football Players’ Association of India (FPAI) for the “Best Young Player of the Season” award.

The 22-year-old, who received the more votes than PritamKotal, SandeshJhingan, JayeshRane and Udanta Singh, took the opportunity to thank his mentors and well-wishers.

“God is great for me. I’m very happy and honoured to receive the award. A big thank you to everybody who have been by side from the time I started football,” Haokip continued.

“Thanks to the fans who voted for me, thanks to my club Pune FC and my team-mates who have helped me a lot during the year. I am also proud of my family who have always supported me.”

In the I-League season 2014/15, playing for Pune FC, the Manipuri was the highest Indian goal scorer with seven goals to his nameincluding a memorable hat-trick against ShillongLajong FC.

ThongkhosiemHaokip has signed for FC Goa for the second season of the Indian Super League (ISL) which will be his first experience on the biggest stage football has ever seen in India.

“I want to play well and do well for my team. I will keep working hard and I cannot wait for the ISL to start,” he signed off.