Hockey News: India's PR Sreejesh and Savita Punia named FIH Goalkeepers of the Year for men and women

The news is not surprising as both the players have displayed strong performances over the season. Sreejesh has entered his 16th year as a full India international and turned heads again. 

He appeared in all 16 games in the FIH Hockey Pro League, where India finished third. His presence was pivotal over the six games held at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where India clinched the Silver medal.

The FIH, as a tribute to Sreejesh's long and illustrious career, released a statement. "The longevity of PR Sreejesh's career continues to defy logic as the 34-year-old Indian shot-stopper continues to raise his game as the years roll on," it said. 

Sreejesh received 39.9 points in the voting, and Belgium's Loic van Doren and Netherlands' Pirmin Blaak were next with 26.3 and 23.2 points, respectively. 

Sreejesh became the third player in the world to be awarded back-to-back FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards. Previously, Ireland's David Harte won the award in 2015 and 2016, followed by Vincent Vanasch, the Belgium player who won it three consecutive times from 2017 to 2019.

Over the season, Sreejesh crossed 250 international appearances. Seven Indians before him have crossed the mark, but none of them was ever a goalkeeper. 

After the win, Sreejesh exclaimed, "No doubt, this is a special award because the hockey fans are voting for us! This is a big honour for me and a testimony to all the hard work."

The Indian goalie is currently at the SAI Centre, Bengaluru, alongside his teammates in the upcoming FIH Hockey Pro League national camp.

Having the possibility of winning awards, regardless of his career phase, motivates Sreejesh. He wants to keep improving and achieve milestones in an all-important year where the team now awaits the FIH Hockey Men's World Cup 2023.

Savita Punia, another goalkeeper with a well-deserved award

Meanwhile, the 32-year-old, Savita ruled over the ladies of international hockey with 37.6 points. Argentinian Belen Succi finished second with 26.4 points, followed by Australian Jocelyn Bartram with 16 points. 

Savita became the third athlete to win the Goalkeeper of the Year in the women's category for consecutive years since its creation in 2014. While competing for Haryana at the National Games, Savita shared her joy with fans. 

"This surely is a big surprise and a very pleasant one. I am sure many Indian hockey fans voted for us and I thank each one of them," she said. Savita was a key player during India's successful run at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-22. 

They pulled off a podium finish in their debut campaign, and Savita made 57 saves in 14 matches. Sreejesh and Savita are expected to deliver legendary performances in what seems like a busy year ahead for India's men's and women's hockey teams.