Indian hockey team’s legendary goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and current captain Harmanpreet Singh have been shortlisted for the prestigious FIH Hockey Stars Awards 2024, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on Tuesday.
A total of 30 hockey players, male and female, have been nominated across six categories in both gender divisions, including FIH Best Player, FIH Best Goalkeeper, and FIH Rising Star of the Year. The nominations were decided by an expert panel comprising players, coaches, and officials chosen by their respective continental federations.
Voting is open until October 11
Fans, national team captains, players, and media can vote for their favorites until October 11. The winners will be determined by a combination of votes from all these groups.
PR Sreejesh nominated for Goalkeeper of the year
Former Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who retired after India’s bronze medal win at Paris 2024, is one of five nominees for the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. His competitors include Pirmin Blaak (Netherlands), Luis Calzado (Spain), Jean-Paul Danneberg (Germany), and Tomás Santiago (Argentina).
Harmanpreet Singh up for player of the year
Indian team captain Harmanpreet Singh is in contention for the Men’s Player of the Year award. Competing against Thierry Brinkman (Netherlands), Joep de Mol (Netherlands), Hannes Müller (Germany), and Zach Wallace (England), Harmanpreet is recognized for his superb form at Paris 2024, where he scored 10 goals in eight matches to become the top scorer of the tournament.
Sreejesh’s Stellar career
Sreejesh, who debuted internationally in 2006, has an impressive list of accolades. He has two Olympic bronze medals, two Asian Games golds, two Commonwealth Games silvers, and four Asian Champions Trophy titles. He was instrumental in India’s shootout victory over Great Britain in the Paris 2024 quarter-finals and also excelled in the bronze medal match against Spain.
Harmanpreet’s Impact Continues
In addition to his Paris 2024 performance, Harmanpreet also scored the most goals for India and second most overall in the Asian Champions Trophy recently held in China, Where India emrge victorious.