Hardik Singh and Savita Punia win FIH Annual Awards

Indian men's hockey team midfielder Hardik Singh and women's team captain Savita Punia were chosen as the best player of the year and best female goalkeeper of the year at the FIH Annual Awards on Tuesday.

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The FIH Annual Awards winners are selected by an expert panel consisting of national associations (captains and coaches of national teams), representatives of the media, as well as fans voting.

Hardik, who has played 114 matches for the country, is considered the future of Indian hockey. He was an important member of the Indian team that won the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. This is Hardik's second big award of the year. He was earlier honored with the Balbir Singh Senior Award (Best Indian Player of the Year) for the year 2022 by Hockey India.

"When you've got a great team, they make your game better and life easier. I am grateful for all those who have voted for me and thankful to the entire team and Hockey India for helping me reach this stage," Hardik said after receiving the award.

On the other hand, Savita has won FIH Annual Awards for the third consecutive time. The Indian goalkeeper has been in great form in 2023. From Test matches in Australia to Hangzhou Asian Games, she continuously impressed. This 33-year-old player also played an important role in making India the winner in the Asian Champions Trophy held in India in October.

The Indian skipper said, "Thankful to all my teammates and support staff who have helped me grow as an individual. This award will motivate me to work harder and get more success for our country. Lastly, thankful to all those who voted for me."

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Meanwhile, Dutch goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak also won the FIH Goalkeepers of the Year award, the awards for FIH Rising Stars went to Teresa Lima (ESP) and Gaspard Xavier (FRA). China women's head coach Alyson Annan and Germany men's head coach, André Henning won the FIH Coaches of the Year awards, while Ayanna McClean (Trinidad-and-Tobago) and Ben Göntgen (Germany) were awarded with the FIH Umpires of the Year.