India's hockey captain, Harmanpreet Singh, was honored as the FIH Player of the Year at the 49th FIH Statutory Congress in Oman on November 8, 2024. Harmanpreet's stellar performance during the Paris Olympics 2024, where he was the top scorer with 10 goals, played a pivotal role in securing India's bronze medal. This marks his third FIH Player of the Year award, having previously won the accolade in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
PR Sreejesh Wins Goalkeeper of the Year Award
Veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was also celebrated at the event, receiving the FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year award. Sreejesh, who was instrumental in India's Olympic success, expressed his gratitude and dedication to his teammates. This achievement comes in the year of his retirement from international play, following the Paris Olympics. After retiring, Sreejesh will continue his involvement in hockey as the head coach of India's Junior Men's team and mentor of the Delhi SG Pipers in the Hockey India League.
Women's Awards: Yibbi Jansen and Ye Jiao Recognized
In the women's category, Yibbi Jansen from the Netherlands was named FIH Player of the Year, while China's Ye Jiao claimed the Women's Goalkeeper of the Year award. The FIH Rising Stars of the Year awards were also presented, with Zoe Díaz from Argentina and Sufyan Khan of Pakistan taking home the honors in the women's and men's categories, respectively.
The FIH Coach of the Year awards were claimed by Alyson Annan from Australia, who coaches the Chinese women's team, and Jeroen Delmee of the Netherlands, who led the men's team to success.
Harmanpreet and Sreejesh Reflect on Their Success
Harmanpreet Singh expressed his heartfelt gratitude, acknowledging the support of his teammates, Hockey India, and his family. “Receiving this award in front of my wife and daughter means the world to me," he said.
Sreejesh, who will retire after the 2024 Olympics, shared his joy with his team. "This award belongs to my team, who made sure I had the support I needed," he said.
Both players will continue their contributions to the sport in different capacities, with Harmanpreet representing Soorma Hockey Club in the revamped Hockey India League.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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