They are the winners of AFC Gold Service Awards and they were honoured during the opening day of the 23rd AFC Congress on Thursday night at JW Marriott.

A total of 19 Gold Services Awards were handed out on the night, two posthumously.

AFC also honoured those who have served football for at least 20 years with Silver Awards while Bronze Awards went to people with at least 10 years of contribution.

Altogether, about 70 people received recognition from AFC for their services to football.

Among those honoured with Gold Awards were Ganesh Thapa, the Nepalese former national captain and current AFC Executive Committee member.

“I am very honoured to have received this award from AFC,” he said. “I’ve been involved in the game for more than 30 years and it is nice that your achievements have been recognised.”

The 19 recipients were all invited on stage during the 23rd AFC Congress dinner on Thursday night, giving them a well-deserved chance to bask in the spotlight as the audience celebrated their achievements over the past three decades.