Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh was honored as the Player of the Year 2024, and retired goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper during the recent 49th FIH Statutory Congress in Oman. The winners were decided through a voting process involving an Expert Panel, National Associations, fans, and media.
Harmanpreet Singh stood out among the men’s nominees, securing the highest number of votes from all categories of voters. He showcased exceptional performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics by leading the scoring charts with 10 goals, including crucial goals in the quarterfinal, semi-final, and both goals in the bronze medal match against Spain. His contributions led India to secure their second consecutive podium finish at the Olympics.
Having previously won the FIH Player of the Year award twice, Harmanpreet’s third win holds special significance as it comes during his first stint as the team captain. He expressed gratitude towards FIH for the honor and acknowledged the support of his teammates, Hockey India, and his family for their unwavering encouragement.
PR Sreejesh, who recently concluded his illustrious career at the Paris 2024 Olympics, added another accolade to his collection by clinching the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third time. Sreejesh played a pivotal role in India’s Olympic campaign, notably during the quarterfinal victory over Great Britain where he displayed exceptional skills despite playing with a reduced team.
In his farewell statement, Sreejesh expressed his joy and thanked Hockey India for their continuous support throughout his career. He attributed his success to the collective efforts of his team, particularly the defense, midfielders, and forwards, who contributed to his achievements on the field.
The FIH Player of the Year 2024 award was also presented to Yibbi Jansen of the Netherlands, while China’s Ye Jiao received the Goalkeeper of the Year 2024 title. Additionally, the FIH Rising Stars awards went to Zoe Díaz of Argentina and Sufyan Khan of Pakistan.
The recognition of these talented athletes not only highlights their individual skills but also underscores the collective effort and support that goes into achieving success in the world of hockey. The awards ceremony served as a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and talent exhibited by these remarkable players on the international stage, inspiring future generations of hockey enthusiasts worldwide.