Saudi’s Al-Dawsari, Takahashi from Japan win Asian player awards
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Salem Al-Dawsari has been named Asian Player of the Year for the second time, with Japan’s Hana Takahashi claiming the women’s award at a gala ceremony in Riyadh on Thursday. Al-Dawsari, who helped his nation secure qualification for a third consecutive World Cup on Tuesday, reclaimed the award he previously won in 2022 ahead of fellow nominees Akram Afif of Qatar and Malaysia’s Arif Aiman. “I’m grateful to win this award,” said the Al-Hilal playmaker. Winning it for a second time is special because it came after a huge effort.