The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has suggested the name of Manpreet Singh, the person in charge of the Indian men’s hockey team, for the Player of the Year award. Under his leadership, India qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. Other than skipper, Manpreet, FIH has also suggested names of two other players from India, Vivek Prasad and Lalremsiami, for the Year Rising Star Award in the male and female categories respectively.
Manpreet Singh is one of the most experienced player in the side and has represented India in 242 international matches so far. This 27-year-old player plays an important role in the Indian midfield, which he has dominated since legendary Sandeep Singh has hung his boot. Under his captaincy, India defeated Russia in Bhubaneswar by a total score of 11–3 and secured a place in the Tokyo Olympic to be held next year.
On the other hand, Nineteen-year-old Prasad whi is also a midfielder had led the Indian team that won silver in the Youth Olympics 2018. Prasad was credited as the best young player at the FIH Series Finals this year.
Lalremsiami who is also 19 years old, is a forward and was part of the silver medal-winning team at the Asian Games that was held in Jakarta in 2018. Along with Lalremsiami five other players who were nominated for Best Player of the Year award include Eddie Ockendon and Aren Zalewski from Australia, Lucas Villa of Argentina, and Arthur Van Doren and Victor Wegenz from Belgium.
Ockendon and Zalewski were part of the Australian team which clinched the gold medal at the FIH Pro League 2019. Zalewski was awarded as the best player of the tournament.
Argentina’s Vila had featured in Rio Olympics 2016 and 2019 Pan American Games where the team had won gold.
The Belgian duo of Van Doren and Wegnez had major contribution in their country’s 2018 World Cup title win and 2019 FIH Pro League runner-up finish.
