Harmanpreet wins FIH Player of the year, Sreejesh named Best Goalkeeper

Indian hockey icons Harmanpreet Singh and P.R. Sreejesh have been crowned the best in their respective categories at the 2023-2024 FIH Hockey Awards.

Harmanpreet clinched the title of Player of the Year (Men), while Sreejesh was named Best Goalkeeper of the Year (Men), a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career.

Both played pivotal roles in India’s bronze-medal triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The awards, determined by a panel of experts, national associations, fans, and media, celebrated exceptional hockey talent worldwide.

In the women’s category, Yibbi Jansen of the Netherlands was named Player of the Year, and Ye Jiao of China won Best Goalkeeper.

Rising Star accolades went to Zoe Díaz (Argentina) and Sufyan Khan (Pakistan), while Alyson Annan (China) and Jeroen Delmee (Netherlands) took home the Coach of the Year honors.

Full List of FIH 2023-2024 Award Winners:

• Best Player of the Year (Men): Harmanpreet Singh (India)

• Best Player of the Year (Women): Yibbi Jansen (Netherlands)

• Best Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): P.R. Sreejesh (India)

• Best Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Ye Jiao (China)

• Rising Star of the Year (Men): Sufyan Khan (Pakistan)

• Rising Star of the Year (Women): Zoe Díaz (Argentina)

• Coach of the Year (Men): Jeroen Delmee (Netherlands)

• Coach of the Year (Women): Alyson Annan (China)

Emotional Tributes from India’s Stars

Reflecting on his Player of the Year award, Harmanpreet credited his teammates, saying, “This honor belongs to my team. The incredible support and camaraderie we’ve shared made our Olympic journey unforgettable.”

Meanwhile, Sreejesh, who retired after the Paris Olympics, expressed his gratitude, dedicating his award to his team. “This is a beautiful end to my playing career. My defense ensured I faced fewer challenges, and my forwards made up for any mistakes I made. This award is theirs as much as it is mine.”

Sreejesh has since transitioned into coaching and will mentor the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey team, alongside serving as a mentor for the Delhi SG Pipers in the upcoming Hockey India League.

Harmanpreet will represent the Soorma Hockey Club in the same tournament.