Indian vice-captain expressed his happiness at being named the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Player of the Year for 2023, saying that the honour has fuelled his determination to give his best to the sport he loves.
In a momentous achievement for the Indian men’s hockey team, vice-captain and stellar midfielder Hardik Singh was crowned the FIH Player of the Year for 2023. The much-awaited FIH Awards for 2023 were announced on Tuesday. These awards are determined through a comprehensive voting process involving an Expert Panel, National Associations represented by their team Captains and Coaches, as well as input from fans and media representatives.
Upon receiving this prestigious accolade, Hardik Singh expressed his gratitude, saying as quoted by a Hockey India press release, “It is an absolute honour to receive this esteemed award. I am immensely grateful to my teammates, coaches, and supporters who have been the pillars of my success. This recognition fuels my determination to continue giving my best to the sport I love.”
“The journey to this award has been filled with challenges and learning experiences. It is a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and a supportive team can pave the way for remarkable achievements,” added Hardik, who made a comeback to the hockey arena after he was ruled out of the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup due to an injury in the middle of the tournament.
This prestigious honour recognizes Hardik’s exceptional talent, dedication, and outstanding contributions to the sport throughout the year. His unwavering commitment, exemplary leadership as the vice-captain, and unparalleled performance have made him a standout player in the global hockey arena. Notably, this is Hardik’s second significant award this year as he had earlier secured the esteemed Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2022.
