Field Hockey

Indian Hockey coach Graham Reid feels the FIH Awards were a recognition of their hard work and sacrifices

 

The FIH Annual Awards were revealed a couple of days ago and it sparked a lot of controversies as India swept all the awards. The awards are given based on voting done by the fans and hence teams like Netherlands and Belgium (Gold Medallist at the Tokyo Olympics in Women’s and Men’s event) revolted against the way the awards were handed out by the FIH.

Recently, Indian Men’s team head coach Graham Reid felt that the awards were the recognition of the commitment and the sacrifices made by his entire team in the last year and a half. The Indian Men’s Hockey team broke a 41-year old jinx and won the Bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. It was a fantastic Summer Games for the Indian teams as the ladies also performed their hearts out and lost the bronze medal match against the United Kingdom.

When asked about the controversies surrounding the awards, the Australian said, “Look, as coaches and players we have nothing do with how things are chosen or the system. We just go out there and play to our best. It is a recognition of the work put by this team, including the support staff.”

“There is a lot of work gone into this. I see this as a reflection of the sacrifices and work put in for the last 16-18 months by this team during the lockdown. I haven’t seen my kids for 2 years,” he added.

Indian men’s team vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh won the men’s ‘Player of the Year’ award and Gurjit Kaur was recognised as the best player in the women’s section. While Savita Punia and PR Sreejesh won the best goalkeeper awards, Sharmila Devi and Vivek Sagar Prasad were adjudged as the best young players.

Graham Reid also did not want to get into the debate of whether the Indian team should have participated at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. He mostly highlighted how his team needed to win the gold medal at the next year’s Asian Games to earn a direct qualification to the Paris Olympics in three years time.

It will be interesting to see how Reid nurtures new talents as the team saw the retirement of three of their most experienced players like Rupinder Pal Singh, Birendra Lakra and SV Sunil. Both Rupinder and Lakra played big roles in India’s triumph in Tokyo and it will be very important for the new players to fit in Reid’s system as the defence will be key for India at the Asian Games.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

What’s Next for Alex Pereira After Losing the Belt at UFC 313?

On March 8, 2025, at UFC 313, the light heavyweight landscape shifted as Alex Pereira… Read More

June 3, 2025

Breaking Down the Zig-Zag Theory in the NBA Playoffs

The Zig-Zag Theory has long been a go-to strategy among NBA playoff bettors, built on… Read More

June 3, 2025

IPL 2025 Final: RCB’s stronger bowling gives them edge over Punjab in high-stakes clash

We are finally at the final stop in this Indian Premier League season and what… Read More

June 3, 2025

India Eyes Redemption at Indonesia Open as Satwik-Chirag and Sindhu Lead the Charge

Former champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty headline India’s contingent at the prestigious Indonesia Open… Read More

June 3, 2025

Rajeev Shukla Poised to Take Over as Interim BCCI President with Binny Set to Step Down

With current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny nearing the… Read More

June 3, 2025

Jiteshwor Singh Commits Future to Chennaiyin FC with Three-Year Contract Extension

Chennaiyin FC midfielder Jiteshwor Singh has pledged his long-term future to the club, signing a… Read More

June 3, 2025