Following a vote by an Expert Panel, National Associations – represented by their respective national teams’ captains and coaches – fans and media, Yibbi Jansen (Netherlands) and Harmanpreet Singh (India) have been awarded the FIH Players of the year 2024 during the gala night of the 49th FIH Statutory Congress in Oman.
While Ye Jiao of China and PR Sreejesh of India won the FIH Goalkeepers of the Year awards, the awards for FIH Rising Stars went to Zoe Díaz of Argentina and Sufyan Khan of Pakistan .
For the second year in a row China women’s head coach Alyson Annan (Australia) has been awarded the FIH Coach of the Year award in the women’s category, while Jeroen Delmee (Netherlands) wins the FIH Coach of the Year award in the men’s category.
Sarah Wilson of Scotland and Steve Rogers of Australia won the FIH Umpire of the Year award in the women’s and men’s category respectively.
FIH Best Player of the Year
Women – Yibbi Jansen was a thoroughly deserving winner of the award after starring at the Paris 2024 Olympics where she led Netherlands to yet another gold medal, scoring 9 goals along the way including the leveller in the gold medal match, with less than 10 minutes to go in the match, to get her team back in the contest and eventually to the top step of the podium.
At just 24, Jansen is already one of the most accomplished players in hockey and already leads the list of all-time top goal scorers in the FIH Hockey Pro League! As the performances continue to improve, sky’s the limit for the prodigiously talented Dutch drag flicker.
Asked about the pivotal moment in the gold medal match at Paris 2024, Yibbi Jansen said: “First off, thank you for having me here and for this award. It has been great to meet everyone who works behind the scenes to make all the hockey events possible worldwide. The Olympic Gold was always the biggest dream of my life and this summer that dream came true. Thank you to my teammates who all worked so hard for us to make this dream a reality. With 10 minutes left in the game and trailing, it was nervous moments. But we have been working so hard for so long and we are all really close to each other, on and off the field, so we always had faith in each other that we could overturn it and win. So thanks to them for everything!”
Men – Harmanpreet Singh was the standout player amongst the men’s nominees, receiving the most votes across all categories of voters. Much like Yibbi Jansen in the women’s competition, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh led the scoring charts at the Paris 2024 Olympics with 10 goals including goals in the quarterfinal, semi-final and both goals in the bronze medal match against Spain, which India won 2-1 to secure their second consecutive podium finish at the Olympics!
Harmanpreet was also a crucial cog in the Indian team that had broken their 41 year podium drought at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He has previously won the FIH Player of the Year award on two occasions in 2020-21 and in 2021-22. The third one might just be the most precious one however, given it’s been won while leading his country for the first time, after taking over captaincy in 2023, and leading his team to an Olympic medal in his first attempt!
Speaking about the celebrations back home after he captained his side to a second consecutive medal at the Olympics, Harmanpreet Singh said: “First off, I would like to thank FIH for this great honour. After the Olympics it was so great to go back home and have such huge crowds there to greet us and welcome us. It was a very very special feeling. I would like to mention my teammates, none of this would have been possible without you all. Special thanks to Hockey India as well for always giving us every opportunity to succeed at all levels. My wife and daughter are here today and receiving this award in front of them means the world to me. So thank you to everyone who made that possible!”
FIH Goalkeeper of the Year
Women – Ye Jiao has been a brick wall for China as they went from strength to strength in international hockey over the past year. Her performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics also stood out as China got to within 10 minutes of winning the gold medal, finally ending up with a remarkable silver medal, their first Olympic medal since winning silver at Beijing 2008, and only their second ever Olympic hockey medal!
As she received her award, Ye Jiao said: “I would like to thank FIH for giving me this award. This is the centennial year of the FIH and to receive this award in this year is extra special. I would also like to thank those who support me, especially those back in China, my teammates, coaches and everyone who is present here today, joining me in this most special moment of my life. My teammates and I will work even harder and we will try to achieve even more over the coming years.”
Men – PR Sreejesh brought an end to his stellar career at the Paris 2024 Olympics, by adding a second Olympic medal to his trophy cabinet and now he gets to add a third FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award as well, having previously won the award in 2020-21 and 2021-22. Sreejesh bid adieu to hockey at the highest level, putting together an incredible Olympic campaign, that included a mammoth performance in the quarterfinal win for India over Great Britain, where they played most of the match with 10 players!
Much like his compatriot Harmanpreet Singh, Sreejesh received the most votes across all categories of voters!
Thanking those that have helped him along his wonderful career, PR Srejeesh said: “I am so happy today. Thank you for this last playing honour of my playing career. As most people know, Paris 2024 was the last tournament I played for my country and I just want to thank Hockey India for all the support and guidance offered over all the years I have played the sport. This award completely belongs to my team, the defence who made sure most attacks never got to me, and the midfielders and forwards who covered up my mistakes by scoring more goals than I conceded.”
FIH Rising Star of the Year
Women – Zoe Díaz has solidified her status as one of Argentina’s brightest hockey talents over the past year. A key player for Las Leonas, Díaz was instrumental in Argentina’s bronze medal victory at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her outstanding defensive skills and game awareness helped Argentina overcome strong competition, particularly in the bronze medal match where they triumphed over Germany. Beyond the Olympics, Díaz continued to shine in the FIH Hockey Pro League, consistently delivering standout performances that contributed to Argentina’s continued high standing in international hockey.
As she received her award, Zoe Díaz said: “I am really happy to have won this award. It was tough to play at the highest level during the past year, especially the Olympics and I am very emotional about all that we achieved. I would like to dedicate this award to my family, especially my mother who is here in Oman to support me. So congratulations to her as well!”
Men – Sufyan Khan has rapidly emerged as one of Pakistan’s most exciting young hockey talents, with an impressive goalscoring record of 24 goals in just 48 games at a young age. Khan’s lethal finishing and attacking prowess were on full display during the FIH Hockey Nations Cup, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024, and the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, where he consistently found the back of the net, boosting Pakistan’s performances on the global stage. His standout showing at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Moqi China 2024 further highlighted his potential, as Khan’s critical goals helped Pakistan advance deep into the tournament. As Pakistan rebuilds its hockey legacy, Khan has quickly become a vital player, showing maturity beyond his years and a knack for delivering in high-pressure moments.
Asked about how he sees his future in the Pakistan team, Sufyan Khan said: “First I would like to thank God for all that I have been able to achieve with the team and also my family who have always supported me. Pakistan has a great history in the world of hockey having achieved so many medals at the World Cups and Olympics, I would like to say to the fans back home that we will always aim to take us back to those glory days and I am sure those days are coming soon. I would also like to thank my teammates who have always supported me in my young career.”
FIH Coach of the Year
Women – Alyson Annan has been pivotal in transforming China into a formidable force in international hockey. Under her leadership, China achieved a historic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, matching their best-ever Olympic finish. Annan’s tactical acumen and ability to inspire her squad were crucial in guiding China through a challenging tournament, culminating in a hard-fought final against the Netherlands. Additionally, China clinched gold at the 2024 Asian Games, reinforcing their dominance in the region. Annan’s influence was also evident during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 season, where China displayed a highly improved performance, consistently competing against the world’s best teams and further solidifying their rise in global hockey under her tenure.
As she received her award, Alyson Annan reflected on all that lies ahead of her and for hockey in China and said: “I think players are starting to dream bigger and once you start dreaming bigger it becomes easier to achieve bigger things. Over the last two years we have made big strides and I would like to thank the Chinese Hockey Association and my players who gave it their all. Without all of their support none of this would have been possible. My dream is for the Chinese team and other Asian and newer teams to start making their presence felt at the latter stages of the big tournaments and I hope that we see that soon.
Men – Jeroen Delmee’s leadership of the Netherlands men’s hockey team reached its pinnacle at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he guided the Dutch to their first Olympic gold since Sydney 2000. With a combination of tactical brilliance and player development, Delmee built a team that dominated the tournament, showcasing a blend of sharp offensive play and solid defence. His focus on discipline and adaptability allowed the Netherlands to overcome tough competition, culminating in a thrilling gold medal match victory. This achievement solidified Delmee’s status as one of the top coaches in world hockey, restoring the Netherlands to their historical Olympic glory.
Asked how it felt to win an Olympic gold as a player and as a coach, which earned him this award, Jeroen Delmee said: “Honestly my emotions were much higher winning the Olympics as a coach as compared to when I was a player, even though it sounds strange. You work hard for four years working with a big group of players trying to achieve the gold medal. It makes the final result just so much more beautiful and I have seen pictures of myself crying when we won the gold and it means so much to work as a coach and help the young players achieve their great moment. So it was even more special for me as a coach to win the Olympic gold than as a player.”
FIH Umpire of the Year
Women – Sarah Wilson is a highly accomplished Scottish hockey umpire, recognized globally for her expertise and professionalism, with an impressive record of umpiring 235 international matches. Her career includes officiating at major tournaments such as the FIH Hockey World Cups and the Olympic Games, including being selected to officiate the women’s gold medal match at the Paris 2024 Games. In 2021, Wilson made history by becoming the first woman to umpire the men’s EuroHockey Championship final. Her leadership, consistency, and dedication to advancing the role of women in sports officiating have earned her widespread acclaim and cemented her reputation as one of the top umpires in the sport.Asked about what the award teaches her, Sarah Wilson said: “That anything is possible. If you put your mind to it, work hard and believe then you can absolutely achieve anything. People may tell you you can’t do something. Many of them thought female umpires shouldn’t umpire in men’s games, but we have all shown it’s all possible and hopefully inspired future generations into achieving even more!”
Men – Steve Rogers is one of the world’s most respected hockey umpires, with a distinguished career spanning multiple high-profile international tournaments. Known for his sharp decision-making and calm demeanour on the field, Rogers has officiated at several FIH events and added another feather to his cap as he umpired the men’s gold medal match at Paris 2024! His dedication to the sport and consistent performance have earned him recognition as one of the top umpires in world hockey, contributing to the integrity and fairness of the game at the highest level.
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