Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh was named the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Best Player of the Year (man) for the third time in his career at the 2024 FIH Star Awards, held on Nov. 8 in Muscat, Oman.
The accolade capped a memorable year for Singh, who led India to a bronze medal finish at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Singh’s leadership on and off the field helped India navigate the tournament, with his top-class defensive skills and ten goals in eight games securing India’s podium finish.
The award is part of the FIH’s annual recognition program, which honors top players, coaches, and officials across men’s and women’s categories. Voted on by fans, media, team captains, coaches, and an expert panel, the award celebrates Singh’s consistent prowess and contribution to India’s international hockey success.
Singh, a key figure in India’s defense and penalty corner attack, expressed gratitude to his teammates in his acceptance speech, acknowledging their role in India’s Olympic success and thanking Hockey India for its support.
“After the Olympics it was so great to go back home and have such huge crowds there to greet us and welcome us. It was a very, very special feeling. I would like to mention my teammates, none of this would have been possible without you all,” Singh said.
Veteran Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was honored as FIH Goalkeeper of the Year (man) after making 50 saves at Paris 2024. Sreejesh, a mainstay of India’s defense for over a decade, dedicated the award to his teammates and expressed gratitude as he concluded his playing career on a high note.
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