India's hockey captain Manpreet Singh scripts history: Details here
What's the story
In what can be considered a historic moment for Indian hockey, national captain Manpreet Singh has won the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Player of the Year award. What's historic is that he has become the first Indian to win the prestigious title. It was owing to his fine performance and leadership India qualified for the Tokyo Olympics this year. Here are further details.
Other contenders
Manpreet beat Arthur van Dorren and Lucas Villa
As far as other contenders were concerned, Manpreet was in a tough competition with Belgium's Arthur van Dorren, along with Lucas Villa of Argentina. However, Manpreet received the maximum votes (35.2%), while van Dorren and Villa had 19.7% and 16.5% votes in their favor. Among the other nominated were Belgium's Victor Wegnez, along with Australia's Aran Zalewski and Eddie Ockenden.
Twitter Post
Manpreet racks up maximum votes to clinch the award
Congratulations to 2019 FIH Player of the year (Men) - @manpreetpawar07
— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) February 13, 2020
Vote results:
Manpreet Singh (IND) -35.2% of combined votes
Arthur Van Doren (BEL) -19.7% of combined votes
Lucas Vila (ARG) -11.7 % of combined votes
Breakdown: https://t.co/xmsM0jS82C#HockeyStarsAwards pic.twitter.com/Zvq3TiPzcg
Quote
Manpreet honored to be judged the best among men
"I am truly honored to win this award and I would like to dedicate this to my team. I also thank my well-wishers and hockey fans from around the world. It is truly humbling to see so much support for Indian hockey," said Manpreet.
Twitter Post
Manpreet feels amazing to be adjudged the best
2019 FIH Player of the Year (Men) - @manpreetpawar07 shares his thoughts after becoming the first ever Indian to win the FIH Player of the Year award.#HockeyStarsAwards@TheHockeyIndia pic.twitter.com/u8H0ezRfz0
— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) February 13, 2020
President's delight
Manpreet eyes Olympic glory, as Hockey India president congratulates him
Meanwhile, Manpreet has already set his eyes on the Olympics, as he and his side aim for a medal for the first time since 1980. Furthermore, Hockey India president, Mohd. Mushtaque Ahmad, congratulated him by saying, "He has matured over the years as a player and has proved his importance in the team. He has led India to important victories."
Other winners
List of other award winners
Following are the other award winners of the year: Rising Star of the Year (Men)- Vivek Prasad Rising Star of the Year (Women)- Lalremsiami Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)- Rachel Lynch Goalkeeper of the Year (Men)- Vincent Vanasch Coach of the Year (Men)- Colin Barch Coach of the year (Women)- Alyson Annan Player of the Year (Women)- Eva de Goede