New Delhi, Feb 17 (UNI) Indian men's Hockey team captain Manpreet Singh on Monday dedicated the FIH Player of the Year 2019 award to his late father, saying the recognition was all because of the support and strength, which he received from his father.
On Thursday, Manpreet became the first Indian to win the International Hockey Federation's (FIH) Player of the Year award, capping a memorable 2019 season, in which he led the side to Olympic qualification.
The 27-year-old midfielder was up against 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.
"I would like to thank my family and friends for always supporting me. They have motivated me throughout my career. And of course, I cannot forget my father. If he was here, he would've been really proud of me. This award is for all the support and strength that he always gave me," said the Hockey captain.
Manpreet also mentioned that the award will act as a confidence booster for him, ahead of the FIH Hockey Pro League matches and the Tokyo Olympics.
"It's a really proud moment for me to have won the FIH Player of the Year 2019 award. It gives me huge confidence for all the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League matches, as well as for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics," he said.
"It also feels amazing to have become the first Indian ever to win this prize, but with this recognition, there also comes a big responsibility, to keep helping my team do well,' he added.
Apart from Manpreet, young midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad won the FIH Male Rising Star of the Year award, while striker Lalremsiami bagged the the 2019 FIH Women's Rising Star of Year recognition.
Manpreet said the awards won by Vivek and Lalremsiami are a reflection of the improvements made by men's and women's teams.
"It is a very positive thing for both our teams with Vivek and Lalremsiami also having won their respective FIH Rising Star of the Year Awards. It reflects well on how our teams are improving, and gives us the confidence in doing well in future events and tournaments, ' he added.
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