New Delhi: Indian men’s hockey team captain Manpreet Singh was among the three players recommended for this year’s Arjuna award by the Hockey India (HI) here, Thursday.
Besides the midfielder, another experienced midfielder Dharamvir Singh, and Indian women’s team goalkeeper Savita have also been recommended for the Arjuna Award.
“Sanggai Ibemhal Chanu and former men’s captain Bharat Chetri have been recommended for the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement,” HI said in a statement. HI also recommended Coach BS Chauhan for the Dronacharya Award.
Speaking on the recommendations, Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, HI secretary general said, “They have proven their worth with significant performances that has elevated the Indian team to new heights.
“They have donned the India colours with pride and have given it their all to help the team win several accolades within the country and internationally. We at Hockey India are proud of their achievements and are happy to recommend their names for the National awards,” he added.
Dharamvir formed the midfield of the Indian team and was part of the gold medal feat at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea. He was also part of the Indian Team at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 World Cup in the Netherlands.
Manpreet, on the other hand, was part of the Asia Cup success. He also led the Indian team to a bronze medal at the World League Finals last year. Manpreet was part of the team that participated at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
He was part of the team that clinched silver at the FIH Champions Trophy in London last year, as well as a silver in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He also has the Asian Games gold medal to his credit.
Savita was instrumental in India’s historic Asia Cup win last year where she made a stunning save in the penalty shootout that helped the team beat higher-ranked China in the final.
Her performance was critical in helping India qualify for the World Cup as continental champions after a gap of 13 years. Savita was part of the team that qualified for the Olympics after 36 years. She was a member of the team that won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2016.