Hockey captain Manpreet becomes first Indian to win FIH Male Player of the Year award

National men's team captain Manpreet Singh on Thursday became first Indian to win International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Player of Year award, capping a memorable 2019 season in which he led side to Olympic qualification. 27-year-old midfielder, thus, became first from country to win accolade since awards were introduced in 1999. He beat competition from Belgium's Arthur van Dorren and Lucas Villa of Argentina, who came second and third respectively.

Manpreet polled a total of 35.2 per cent of combined votes, which includes National Associations, media, fans and players. Van Dorren, on or hand, got combined vote share of 19.7 per cent while Villa polled 16.5 per cent in his favour. Or players who were minated for award were Victor Wegnez of Belgium and Australian duo of Aran Zalewski and Eddie Ockenden.

Manpreet, who had represented India at 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics, has enjoyed a long career in national team since he made his debut in 2011. He w has 260 international appearances under his belt. Last year, Manpreet led India to victory in FIH Olympic Qualifiers, securing ir Tokyo Olympics spot.  Talking about last season, Manpreet said: "If you look at our year, we did well in every tournament we participated in. Be it FIH Series Finals in June or test series in Belgium where we played hosts as well as Spain and beat m.

"Our biggest goal in 2019 was to book our berth at Olympics." 

India achieved that goal in style, beating Russia in Olympic Qualifiers over two legs -- 4-2 and 7-2. Manpreet dedicated award to his teammates, saying without ir support it wouldn't have been possible.  "I am truly houred to win this award and I would like to dedicate this to my team. I also thank my well wishers and hockey fans from around world for voting in my favour. It is truly humbling to see so much support for Indian hockey," he said.

FIH CEO Thierry Weil congratulated all winners, including Manpreet on ir achievements. "On behalf of FIH, I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations from whole hockey community to all winners of 2019 FIH Stars Awards and also to all minees.  "Thanks to ir skills and performances, as well as ir teammates, y invite fans all over world to experience great emotions. We are very grateful to m," he said.  

Hockey India President Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad also congratulated Manpreet.  "He has matured over years as a player and has proved his importance in team. He has led India to important victories," he said. Besides Manpreet, young midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad won FIH Male Rising Star of Year award, while striker Lalremsiami bagged 2019 FIH Women's Rising Star of Year recognition.