Harmanpreet Singh Named FIH Player Of The Year; PR Sreejesh Wins Goalkeeper Of The Year Award

Following a vote by an Expert Panel, National Associations - represented by ir respective national teams’ captains and coaches - fans and media, Yibbi Jansen (Nerlands) and Harmanpreet Singh (India) have been awarded FIH Players of year 2024 during gala night of 49th FIH Statutory Congress in Oman.

While Ye Jiao of China and PR Sreejesh of India won FIH Goalkeepers of Year awards, awards for FIH Rising Stars went to Zoe Díaz of Argentina and Sufyan Khan of Pakistan .

For second year in a row China women’s he coach Alyson Annan (Australia) has been awarded FIH Coach of Year award in women’s category, while Jeroen Delmee (Nerlands) wins FIH Coach of Year award in men’s category.

Sarah Wilson of Scotland and Steve Rogers of Australia won FIH Umpire of Year award in women's and men's category respectively.

FIH Best Player of Year

Women - Yibbi Jansen was a thoroughly deserving winner of award after starring at Paris 2024 Olympics where she led Nerlands to yet anor gold medal, scoring 9 goals along way including leveller in gold medal match, with less than 10 minutes to go in match, to get her team back in contest and eventually to top step of podium.

At just 24, Jansen is alrey one of most accomplished players in hockey and alrey les list of all-time top goal scorers in FIH Hockey Pro League! As performances continue to improve, sky's limit for prodigiously talented Dutch drag flicker.

Asked about pivotal moment in gold medal match at Paris 2024, Yibbi Jansen said: “First off, thank you for having me here and for this award. It has been great to meet everyone who works behind scenes to make all hockey events possible worldwide. Olympic Gold was always biggest dream of my life and this summer that dream came true. Thank you to my teammates who all worked so hard for us to make this dream a reality. With 10 minutes left in game and trailing, it was nervous moments. But we have been working so hard for so long and we are all really close to each or, on and off field, so we always h faith in each or that we could overturn it and win. So thanks to m for everything!”

Men - Harmanpreet Singh was standout player amongst men’s nominees, receiving most votes across all categories of voters. Much like Yibbi Jansen in women’s competition, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh led scoring charts at Paris 2024 Olympics with 10 goals including goals in quarterfinal, semi-final and both goals in bronze medal match against Spain, which India won 2-1 to secure ir second consecutive podium finish at Olympics!

Harmanpreet was also a crucial cog in Indian team that h broken ir 41 year podium drought at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He has previously won FIH Player of Year award on two occasions in 2020-21 and in 2021-22. third one might just be most precious one however, given it’s been won while leing his country for first time, after taking over captaincy in 2023, and leing his team to an Olympic medal in his first attempt!

Speaking about celebrations back home after he captained his side to a second consecutive medal at Olympics, Harmanpreet Singh said: “First off, I would like to thank FIH for this great honour. After Olympics it was so great to go back home and have such huge crowds re to greet us and welcome us. It was a very very special feeling. I would like to mention my teammates, none of this would have been possible without you all. Special thanks to Hockey India as well for always giving us every opportunity to succeed at all levels. My wife and daughter are here today and receiving this award in front of m means world to me. So thank you to everyone who me that possible!”

FIH Goalkeeper of Year 

Women - Ye Jiao has been a brick wall for China as y went from strength to strength in international hockey over past year. Her performances at Paris 2024 Olympics also stood out as China got to within 10 minutes of winning gold medal, finally ending up with a remarkable silver medal, ir first Olympic medal since winning silver at Beijing 2008, and only ir second ever Olympic hockey medal!

As she received her award, Ye Jiao said: “I would like to thank FIH for giving me this award. This is centennial year of FIH and to receive this award in this year is extra special. I would also like to thank those who support me, especially those back in China, my teammates, coaches and everyone who is present here today, joining me in this most special moment of my life. My teammates and I will work even harder and we will try to achieve even more over coming years.”

Men - PR Sreejesh brought an end to his stellar career at Paris 2024 Olympics, by ding a second Olympic medal to his trophy cabinet and now he gets to d a third FIH Goalkeeper of Year award as well, having previously won award in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Sreejesh bid ieu to hockey at highest level, putting toger an incredible Olympic campaign, that included a mammoth performance in quarterfinal win for India over Great Britain, where y played most of match with 10 players!

Much like his compatriot Harmanpreet Singh, Sreejesh received most votes across all categories of voters!

Thanking those that have helped him along his wonderful career, PR Srejeesh said: “I am so happy today. Thank you for this last playing honour of my playing career. As most people know, Paris 2024 was last tournament I played for my country and I just want to thank Hockey India for all support and guidance offered over all years I have played sport. This award completely belongs to my team, defence who me sure most attacks never got to me, and midfielders and forwards who covered up my mistakes by scoring more goals than I conceded.”

FIH Rising Star of Year 

Women - Zoe Díaz has solidified her status as one of Argentina’s brightest hockey talents over past year. A key player for Las Leonas, Díaz was instrumental in Argentina’s bronze medal victory at Paris 2024 Olympics. Her outstanding defensive skills and game awareness helped Argentina overcome strong competition, particularly in bronze medal match where y triumphed over Germany. Beyond Olympics, Díaz continued to shine in FIH Hockey Pro League, consistently delivering standout performances that contributed to Argentina’s continued high standing in international hockey.

As she received her award, Zoe Díaz said: “I am really happy to have won this award. It was tough to play at highest level during past year, especially Olympics and I am very emotional about all that we achieved. I would like to dedicate this award to my family, especially my mor who is here in Oman to support me. So congratulations to her as well!”

Men - Sufyan Khan has rapidly emerged as one of Pakistan’s most exciting young hockey talents, with an impressive goalscoring record of 24 goals in just 48 games at a young age. Khan’s lethal finishing and attacking prowess were on full display during FIH Hockey Nations Cup, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024, and FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, where he consistently found back of net, boosting Pakistan’s performances on global stage. His standout showing at Hero Asian Champions Trophy Moqi China 2024 furr highlighted his potential, as Khan’s critical goals helped Pakistan vance deep into tournament. As Pakistan rebuilds its hockey legacy, Khan has quickly become a vital player, showing maturity beyond his years and a knack for delivering in high-pressure moments.

Asked about how he sees his future in Pakistan team, Sufyan Khan said: “First I would like to thank God for all that I have been able to achieve with team and also my family who have always supported me. Pakistan has a great history in world of hockey having achieved so many medals at World Cups and Olympics, I would like to say to fans back home that we will always aim to take us back to those glory days and I am sure those days are coming soon. I would also like to thank my teammates who have always supported me in my young career.”

FIH Coach of Year 

Women - Alyson Annan has been pivotal in transforming China into a formidable force in international hockey. Under her leership, China achieved a historic silver medal at Paris 2024 Olympics, matching ir best-ever Olympic finish. Annan’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire her squ were crucial in guiding China through a challenging tournament, culminating in a hard-fought final against Nerlands. ditionally, China clinched gold at 2024 Asian Games, reinforcing ir dominance in region. Annan’s influence was also evident during FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 season, where China displayed a highly improved performance, consistently competing against world’s best teams and furr solidifying ir rise in global hockey under her tenure.

As she received her award, Alyson Annan reflected on all that lies ahe of her and for hockey in China and said: “I think players are starting to dream bigger and once you start dreaming bigger it becomes easier to achieve bigger things. Over last two years we have me big strides and I would like to thank Chinese Hockey Association and my players who gave it ir all. Without all of ir support none of this would have been possible. My dream is for Chinese team and or Asian and newer teams to start making ir presence felt at latter stages of big tournaments and I hope that we see that soon.

Men - Jeroen Delmee’s leership of Nerlands men’s hockey team reached its pinnacle at Paris 2024 Olympics, where he guided Dutch to ir first Olympic gold since Sydney 2000. With a combination of tactical brilliance and player development, Delmee built a team that dominated tournament, showcasing a blend of sharp offensive play and solid defence. His focus on discipline and aptability allowed Nerlands to overcome tough competition, culminating in a thrilling gold medal match victory. This achievement solidified Delmee’s status as one of top coaches in world hockey, restoring Nerlands to ir historical Olympic glory.

Asked how it felt to win an Olympic gold as a player and as a coach, which earned him this award, Jeroen Delmee said: “Honestly my emotions were much higher winning Olympics as a coach as compared to when I was a player, even though it sounds strange. You work hard for four years working with a big group of players trying to achieve gold medal. It makes final result just so much more beautiful and I have seen pictures of myself crying when we won gold and it means so much to work as a coach and help young players achieve ir great moment. So it was even more special for me as a coach to win Olympic gold than as a player.”

FIH Umpire of Year 

Women - Sarah Wilson is a highly accomplished Scottish hockey umpire, recognized globally for her expertise and professionalism, with an impressive record of umpiring 235 international matches. Her career includes officiating at major tournaments such as FIH Hockey World Cups and Olympic Games, including being selected to officiate women’s gold medal match at Paris 2024 Games. In 2021, Wilson me history by becoming first woman to umpire men’s EuroHockey Championship final. Her leership, consistency, and dedication to vancing role of women in sports officiating have earned her widespre acclaim and cemented her reputation as one of top umpires in sport.
Asked about what award teaches her, Sarah Wilson said: “That anything is possible. If you put your mind to it, work hard and believe n you can absolutely achieve anything. People may tell you you can’t do something. Many of m thought female umpires shouldn’t umpire in men’s games, but we have all shown it’s all possible and hopefully inspired future generations into achieving even more!”

Men - Steve Rogers is one of world’s most respected hockey umpires, with a distinguished career spanning multiple high-profile international tournaments. Known for his sharp decision-making and calm demeanour on field, Rogers has officiated at several FIH events and ded anor fear to his cap as he umpired men’s gold medal match at Paris 2024! His dedication to sport and consistent performance have earned him recognition as one of top umpires in world hockey, contributing to integrity and fairness of game at highest level.