Player of the Year award increases responsibility on the individual, says Hardik
New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) The Indian men’s hockey team vice-captain Hardik Singh has been honored with the prestigious Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year 2023. He also clinched the Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year at the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023 held in the national capital on Sunday.
Recognizing Hardik’s exceptional talent and remarkable contributions to the sport, the awards highlight his unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership as the vice-captain of the Indian men’s hockey team. His outstanding performance has made him a standout player in the global hockey circuit over the past year.
Starting his career with promise, Hardik Singh has evolved into a key player for the Indian men’s hockey team, showcasing technical prowess and strategic acumen. Hailing from Jalandhar, his contributions have brought immense pride and glory to the country, earning him the Player of The Year award for the second consecutive year.
Expressing his delight at winning the award, Hardik Singh thanked his teammates, coaches, and support staff for their faith in him. He acknowledged the strong contenders like Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh, emphasizing the team’s collective effort. Hardik believes that such awards come with increased responsibility, urging him to perform better in future matches.
Making his senior international debut in 2018, Hardik Singh has represented India in 123 matches. His remarkable performances in the gold-winning campaigns at the Asian Games and the Asian Champions Trophy earned him the Men’s FIH Player of the Year title in 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and talented player.