He had faced many challenges and setbacks in his career, but he never gave up on his passion. He had worked hard and persevered, overcoming injuries and disappointments, to reach the pinnacle of his sport. He had led his team to historic victories, inspiring millions of fans and aspiring players. He had become a legend in his own right.
But he still had one more dream to fulfill.
He was Hardik Singh, the vice-captain of the Indian men’s hockey team. And he was about to find out if he had won the most prestigious individual award in the world of hockey: the FIH Player of the Year.
The announcement was scheduled for Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Hardik was nervous and excited, as he waited for the results with his teammates and coaches. He knew he had a strong chance, as he had been nominated along with four other outstanding players: Arthur van Doren (Belgium), Lucas Vila (Argentina), Jake Whetton (Australia), and Tobias Walter (Germany).
Hardik had played a vital role in India’s bronze medal-winning feat at the Tokyo Olympics, and gold medals in the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 and the Asian Games. He had scored 12 goals and assisted 15 more in 36 matches, displaying his skills, speed, and stamina. He had also won the esteemed Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of the Year 2022 earlier this year.
But he knew that the competition was tough, and the decision was not in his hands. He had to wait for the votes of the national associations, media, fans, and players to be counted and verified. He had to hope that his performance and contribution had impressed them enough to give him the edge over the others.
He had to hope that his dream would come true.
The moment of truth arrived. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) tweeted the name of the winner, along with a picture and a link to the details. Hardik checked his phone, and his eyes widened in disbelief and joy.
He had done it.
He had won the FIH Player of the Year award for 2023.
He had become the third male player from India to win the coveted award, joining Manpreet Singh (2019) and Harmanpreet Singh (2020-21 and 2021-22). He had also made history, as he and Savita Punia, the India women’s team skipper who won the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year award for the third consecutive time, became the first pair of players from the same country to win the FIH awards in the same year.
He had achieved his dream.
He was ecstatic and grateful, as he thanked his teammates, coaches, and supporters who had been the pillars of his success. He said that the award was a recognition of his hard work and perseverance, and that it fueled his determination to continue giving his best to the sport he loved. He said that the journey to the award had been filled with challenges and learning experiences, and that it was a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and a supportive team could pave the way for remarkable achievements.
He was humble and proud, as he dedicated the award to his country and his fans. He said that he was honored to represent India on the global stage, and that he hoped to inspire the next generation of hockey players. He said that he was proud of his team’s achievements, and that he looked forward to more glory in the future.
He was Hardik Singh, the FIH Player of the Year 2023.
He was a champion.