Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh express gratitude after win in FIH Star Awards 2024 - 'Special year for Indian hockey'

Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh felt that the sport is going in the right direction with the revival of Hockey India League.

Indian Men’s Hockey Team Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh expressed their gratitude to die-hard Indian hockey fans who voted for them to win the FIH Player of the Year Award and FIH Goalkeeper of The Year award on Friday at a glittering ceremony in Muscat, Oman. 

The duo remarked 2024 to be a ‘special’ year as the Hockey India League is being revived, which they believe is the right direction forward in their endeavour to change the colour of the medal in 2028 LA Olympics.

“I truly believe this is the start to many good things to come for Indian Hockey. We were all looking forward to the Hockey India League to start and somewhere I believe our Olympic performance propelled the initiative with many stakeholders showing interest after this big victory in Paris.

We are grateful to Hockey India for backing us in the FIH Star Awards and also for their efforts in reviving the Hockey India League,” expressed Harmanpreet Singh. 

Regarded as one of the world’s best dragflickers in modern hockey, Harmanpreet was instrumental in his team’s performance at the Paris Olympic Games where he led the team to a historic bronze medal, making it the country’s first time in 52 years to win back-to-back Olympic medals. He scored 10 goals at the Olympic Games. 

“It has truly been a memorable year with the Olympic medal and subsequent celebrations back home. I am so happy to receive this award in front of my wife and daughter who travelled to Muscat to join the celebrations here at the FIH Star Awards. This could not have been possible without the support of die-hard Indian hockey fans who have backed in our best and worst days on the pitch,” expressed Harmanpreet Singh who will be turning up for Soorma Hockey Club, a franchise owned by JSW Sports.

Also Read: Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh emerge as winners in FIH Star Awards 2024

Harmanpreet has previously won the FIH Player of the Year award on two occasions in 2020-21 and in 2021-22. He got a total of 63.84 per cent votes which constituted 13.57 percent votes from fans, 15 per cent votes from media, 40 per cent from the expert panel and 15.27 per cent from National Association. This was well above the 16.10 per cent Joop de Mol of Netherlands received.  

Meanwhile, legendary India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh who announced his retirement at the Paris Olympic Games won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Award 2024-25, making this a hat-trick. The historic bronze won in Paris was duly dedicated to him by his teammates, thus paying tribute to his incredible career spanning nearly two decades.

He had previously won the award in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Sreejesh bid adieu to hockey at the highest level, putting together an incredible Olympic campaign, that included a mammoth performance in the quarterfinal win for India over Great Britain, where they played most of the match with 10 players. 

“It has been a dream year for me. I could not have asked for a better parting gift that the accolades I have received post Olympics and this one being one of the most special awards, because it has been conferred basis votes from across genres.” Sreejesh received total of 62.22 per cent votes in comparison to Primrin Blaak.

“I just want to thank Hockey India for all the support and guidance offered over all the years I have played the sport. I am hopeful this love and adulation from fans continues as I begin a new chapter in my life as a director and mentor of SG Pipers. I am truly looking forward to it,” added the iconic former India goalie. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram