India’s Hardik Singh Clinched Men’s FIH Player of the Year 2023

Men’s FIH Player of the Year: Hardik Singh

Indian hockey team midfielder, Hardik Singh, clinched the prestigious title of Men’s FIH Player of the Year at the FIH Hockey Star Awards 2023. This recognition adds another feather to the cap of the talented player, who played a pivotal role in India’s bronze medal victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Women’s FIH Player of the Year: Xan de Waard

Dutch player Xan de Waard emerged victorious as the Women’s FIH Player of the Year, showcasing outstanding prowess in the field of hockey.

Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Savita Punia

Savita Punia, captain of the Indian women’s hockey team, secured the title of the Best Goalkeeper of the Year. This marks her third consecutive win in this category, reflecting her consistent excellence between the goalposts.

Voting Process and Awardees Determination

The awardees were selected through a comprehensive voting process involving a panel of experts, national associations represented by team captains and coaches, along with contributions from fans and media. This inclusive approach ensures a holistic evaluation of players’ performances.

Hardik Singh’s Remarkable Journey

Hardik Singh, aged 25, has already earned 114 caps for India. His standout performances were instrumental in India’s gold medal victories at the Asian Champions Trophy in Malaysia and the Asian Games 2023 in the People’s Republic of China earlier this year. Despite a hamstring injury sidelining him during the 2023 FIH Hockey World Cup, Singh’s impact on the game remains undeniable.

Recognition at Home: Hockey India Awards 2022

Singh’s talent and contribution to Indian hockey were previously acknowledged at the Hockey India Awards 2022, where he secured the Player of the Year title in March.

Harmanpreet Singh’s Noteworthy Journey

While Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh, the recipient of the previous two FIH Player of the Year awards, missed out on this occasion, his remarkable journey continues to inspire and contribute significantly to Indian hockey.