Manpreet Singh Becomes First Indian To Win FIH Men’s Player Of The Year Award | Hockey News
India’s men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh on Thursday turned into the primary Indian to win the Global Hockey Federation’s (FIH) Player of the Year award, capping a memorable 2019 season by which he led the facet to Olympic qualification. The 27-year-old midfielder, thus, turned into the primary from the rustic to win the accolade because the awards have been presented in 1999. He beat pageant from Belgium’s Arthur van Dorren and Lucas Villa of Argentina, who got here 2d and 3rd respectively. Manpreet polled a complete of 35.2 according to cent of mixed votes, which incorporates Nationwide Associations, media, lovers and gamers.
Van Dorren, alternatively, were given mixed vote percentage of 19.7 according to cent whilst Villa polled 16.five according to cent in his favour.
Different gamers who have been nominated for the award have been Victor Wegnez of Belgium and Australian duo of Aran Zalewski and Eddie Ockenden.
Manpreet, who had represented India at 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics, has loved an extended occupation within the nationwide workforce since he made his debut in 2011.
He now has 260 world appearances underneath his belt. Final 12 months, Manpreet led India to victory within the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, securing their Tokyo Olympics spot.
Speaking concerning the remaining season, Manpreet mentioned: “Should you take a look at our 12 months, we did neatly in each event we participated in. Be it the FIH Collection Finals in June or the check collection in Belgium the place we performed the hosts in addition to Spain and beat them.
“Our greatest objective in 2019 used to be to e book our berth on the Olympics.”
India completed that objective in taste, beating Russia within the Olympic Qualifiers over two legs — Four-2 and 7-2. Manpreet devoted the award to his teammates, announcing with out their fortify it should not have been conceivable.
“I’m really honoured to win this award and I want to commit this to my workforce. I additionally thank my neatly wishers and hockey lovers from world wide for balloting in my favour. It’s really humbling to peer such a lot fortify for Indian hockey,” he mentioned.
FIH CEO Thierry Weil congratulated all of the winners, together with Manpreet on their achievements.
“On behalf of FIH, I want to lengthen heartfelt congratulations from the entire hockey group to all winners of the 2019 FIH Stars Awards and in addition to all nominees.
“Due to their talents and performances, in addition to their teammates, they invite lovers in all places the arena to revel in nice feelings. We’re very thankful to them,” he mentioned.
Hockey India President Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad additionally congratulated Manpreet.
“He has matured over time as a participant and has proved his significance within the workforce. He has led India to necessary victories,” he mentioned.
But even so Manpreet, younger midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad received the FIH Male Emerging Celebrity of the Year award, whilst striker Lalremsiami bagged the the 2019 FIH Women’s Rising Star of Year reputation.
