Bengaluru, Nov 22 — Indian Men’s Hockey Team midfielder Hardik Singh, who experienced both setbacks and triumphs in 2023, has been nominated for the prestigious FIH Player of the Year Award. This recognition adds a special touch to a year that saw him ruled out of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela due to injury but culminated in winning the Asian Games Gold.
Expressing his gratitude, Hardik stated, “I’m both amazed and honoured to have been nominated for the FIH Player of the Year Award 2023. Receiving such recognition on an international stage is one of your dreams as a sportsperson. It certainly motivates you to do even better.”
Acknowledging the challenges, he admitted that 2023 wasn’t his best year and reflected on the World Cup injury, calling it heartbreaking. However, he emphasized his contentment with the overall achievements, including the FIH Pro League campaign, the Asian Champions Trophy title, and the Gold medal at the Asian Games.
Hardik’s influence in the midfield and his role as Harmanpreet Singh’s deputy during the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 and the Asian Games 2023 contributed to India’s success. The 25-year-old, recipient of the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2022, spoke about his transition into the leadership group.
“I have learnt how to lead from the front from my seniors – Sardar Singh, PR Sreejesh, Manpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh. I like to take responsibility; it helps me be the best version of myself and also helps in pushing my teammates to give their best on the pitch,” he added.
