India’s Vivek Sagar Prasad, Lalremsiami win ‘FIH Rising Star of the Year 2019’ awards
'This is a big moment for me and I thank everyone who voted for me to win this award. This comes as a big motivation to strive harder for the Indian team and give my best as we aim to achieve higher goals for the country,' said Vivek Sagar Prasad
FollowNew Delhi: Hockey India (HI) congratulated the Indian men's team midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad and Indian women's team striker Lalremsiami on being adjudged the FIH Rising Star of the Year 2019.
Vivek who made his International debut for India in January 2018 during a tour to New Zealand was part of the national team that won the FIH Men’s Hockey Series Finals in 2019. He also played a key role in the Indian team's performance at FIH Olympic Qualifiers in November last year where they edged out Russia to earn their ticket to 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
For the FIH Rising Star of the Year 2019 (Male), Vivek was up against Argentina's Maico Casella, Australia's Blake Govers, Zachary Wallace of Great Britain and Jonas De Geus of the Netherlands.
“This is a big moment for me and I thank everyone who voted for me to win this award. This comes as a big motivation to strive harder for the Indian team and give my best as we aim to achieve higher goals for the country. I would also like to thank my teammates especially the seniors who ensured they constantly motivated me enough if I made any mistakes, they encouraged me to give my best,” stated an elated Vivek, who had led the India U-18 Team to Silver Medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.
Lalremsiami, who made her International debut in 2018, was part of the team's success at FIH Women’s Hockey Series Finals in Hiroshima in 2019. She also played a key role in the Indian team's performance at FIH Olympic Qualifiers in November last year where they edged out USA to earn their ticket to 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She was also part of the team that won the Olympic Test Event in Tokyo.
For the FIH Rising Star of the Year 2019 (Female), Lalremsiami was up against Argentina's Julieta Jankunas, China's Zhong Jianqi and the Netherlands' Frederique Matla.
“I am very honoured to win this award. This is a big moment for me and I thank everyone who voted for me to win this award. This comes as a big motivation for me to do well. I would also like to thank my teammates who stood by me during my personal struggles,” said Lalremsiami, who was part of the India U-18 team that won silver medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.
Congratulating both Vivek and Lalremsiami, Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, president, Hockey India, said, “This is a proud moment for us at Hockey India. I congratulate both these young players for being recognised with the prestigious FIH Rising Star of the Year award. Both of them are youth icons who have battled the odds on the personal front to reach where they are today. They have great potential to bring laurels to the country in future events and I wish them the very best.”
