India hockey mid-fielder Hardik Singh expressed his feelings after being
nominated for the FIH Player of the Year Award 2023, making this year even more
special for him.
From getting ruled out of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023
Bhubaneswar-Rourkela midway due to an injury, to winning the Asian Games Gold,
2023 has turned out to be a roller coaster year for the Indian Men’s Hockey
Team midfielder Hardik Singh.
He has been nominated for the FIH Player of the Year Award 2023, making
this year even more special for him.
“I’m both amazed and honoured to have been nominated for the FIH Player
of the Year Award 2023. Receiving such recognition on an international stage is
one of your dreams as a sportsperson. It certainly motivates you to do even
better,” said an elated Hardik.
Despite feeling “ecstatic”, he felt that it wasn’t his best year and went
on to admit, “I could have done much better, especially during the World Cup,
where an injury at such a crucial stage was heartbreaking. But, overall, I’m
happy with how the year has gone for me, with the FIH Pro League campaign, the
Asian Champions Trophy title and the Gold medal at the Asian Games.”
With his remarkable aura in the midfield and becoming one of the pivotal
members of the Indian team in recent years, the 25-year-old has risen to the
occasion scoring crucial goals for the team.
He also served as Harmanpreet Singh’s deputy during the Asian Champions
Trophy 2023 and the Asian Games 2023, where India won Gold medals.
Speaking about his transition into the leadership group, Hardik said, “I
think I was ever ready for this opportunity. I have learnt how to lead from the
front from my seniors – Sardar Singh, PR Sreejesh, Manpreet Singh and
Harmanpreet Singh. I like to take responsibility, it helps me be the best
version of myself and also helps in pushing my teammates to give their best on
the pitch,” he added.
ANI
