NEW DELHI: During the 49th FIH Statutory Congress in Oman, Yibbi Jansen (Netherlands) and Harmanpreet Singh (India) were named FIH Players of the Year for 2024. The winners were selected through a vote by an Expert Panel, national teams’ captains and coaches, along with fans and media.
Women’s FIH Player of the Year – Yibbi Jansen
Jansen, 24, earned the award after her standout performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she helped lead the Netherlands to a gold medal. She scored 9 goals, including a crucial equalizer in the final against Argentina. Jansen’s incredible drag flicking and leadership have already established her as one of the top goal scorers in the FIH Hockey Pro League. Reflecting on her Olympic triumph, she expressed gratitude to her teammates for their support, especially during the tense moments of the final.
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Men’s FIH Player of the Year – Harmanpreet Singh
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh was the standout player of the men’s category, with his 10 goals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, including crucial strikes in the quarterfinal, semi-final, and bronze medal match against Spain. His leadership has been instrumental in India’s back-to-back Olympic podium finishes, and this marks his third FIH Player of the Year award, with his previous wins in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Singh thanked his teammates and Hockey India, dedicating the award to his family.
FIH Goalkeepers of the Year
Ye Jiao (China) was awarded Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year after her stellar performances, including helping China to a historic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. PR Sreejesh (India) won Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year after playing a pivotal role in India’s Olympic success, marking the end of his brilliant career.
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FIH Rising Stars of the Year
Zoe Díaz (Argentina) and Sufyan Khan (Pakistan) were recognized as the Rising Stars, thanks to their impressive performances in the 2024 Olympics and other major international tournaments.
FIH Coaches of the Year
Alyson Annan (China) and Jeroen Delmee (Netherlands) were honored as Coaches of the Year for their roles in leading their teams to historic successes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
FIH Umpires of the Year
Sarah Wilson (Scotland) and Steve Rogers (Australia) were named Umpires of the Year, with both having officiated major matches at the Paris 2024 Olympics.