FIH AWARDS- TAARE ZAMEEN PAR

Vijay Anand

With Dr Narendra Batra at the helm of affairs of FIH, award function for top honours took place at Chandigarh. Ceremony was glitzy with the best of hockey stars sitting under single roof.

India had two representatives in the fray. P R Sreejesh was a nominee in best goalkeeper category and Harmanpreet Singh was in Rising star of the year category. Sadly, none could win.

Award for best Male player went to John-John Dohmen (Belgium) for men and Naomi van As (Nederland) in women, neighbours. Naomi completed Dutch women’s hat trick in as many years. In men’s contest, Gonzalo Pelliat (ARG), Mortiz Furste & Tobias Hauke (GER) were also in fight, but Belgian delivered the knockout punch.

Sreejesh was denied by David Harte. Irishman won it for second year in a row and proved why he has been paid the most by Dabang Mumbai in currently running HIL. Experienced Juan Vivaldi (ARG), Jaap Stockmann (NED) and Vincent Vanasch (BEL) made it very tough, but Irishman finally sailed through. Best women goalkeeper was Maddie Hinch of Germany. Belgium won another award in Best under 23 player’s category for men. Arthur van Doren (BEL) won the trophy. 

Coaches were also prized on the occasion. In women, Karen Brawn (GBR) lifted the cup, defeating Alyson Annan (AUS) and Janneke Schopman(NED). For Men, Danny Kerry bought double delight for Great Britain. Hard working talisman Carlos Retegui (ARG) and Shane McLeod(NZL) clapped from the gathering.

Umpires got recognition too. Christian Blasch (GER) was an undisputed choice. Laurine Delforge (BEL) won it in men’s section.

Everyone was expecting Argentina to steal the show. No doubt, 2016 was their best year. Not only they won a Gold in Rio Olympics (their first ever medal in Olympic Hockey), but also they conquered the summit in rankings. Surprisingly, it was Maria Granatto who saved the grace for the Latin Americans. She won best Under 23 female player’s award.

India’s triple Olympic gold medallist Balbir Singh Senior, 1968 Olympic Games bronze medallist Col Balbir Singh and Rajpal Singh (Former Skipper) graced the occasion by their presence. Hockey is growing. Dynamic changed can be judged as Hockey powerhouses Germany and Australia returned empty handed. Belgium won awards for the first time in their history and that too, a double. 

 For Hockey lovers, it was a night to remember.