Ace hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh nominated for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 award

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New Delhi,  05 January:  Ace hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has been nominated for the World Games Athlete of the Year 2021 award and the former captain  says he is truly elated and honored  ‘as this nomination  is recognition for great team work.’

The 24 athletes nominated for this award from 17 countries have been recommended by their respective international federations and the FIH has recommended  Sreejesh’s  name for his outstanding efforts in the year 2021.

“I think this nomination is quite special for it recognizes great team work and this nomination is a result of our Olympic performance,” Sreejesh said.

“I am so honoured to be nominated and this truly goes for the team. It’s because of their hard work that we are being recognised world-over. The credit of all this success also goes to Hockey India for their support, without them none of this could be possible. Now it’s up to the fans to choose the deserving winner for this award,” Sreejesh  told  Hockey India Bengaluru.

Sreejesh played a crucial role in India’s  bronze medal  winning  performance at the Tokyo Olympic In their Bronze-medal outing in Tokyo, India beat Germany 5-4. The match witnessed some excellent defense led by Sreejesh.

Earlier in 2021, Sreejesh was also elected as the FIH (Federation Internationale de Hockey) Goalkeeper of the Year award and was also conferred with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for his exemplary career in hockey. (The FIH is commonly known as International Hockey Federation).

“We at Hockey India are elated by the news of Sreejesh being nominated for the World Games Athlete of the Year 2021. He is a huge inspiration to many in the country and is popular world over for his goalkeeping abilities and his vivacious personality “said  Hockey India President Gyanendro Ningombam .

“We are very proud of his achievements and contribution to Indian hockey. I hope all his fans and supporters of Indian hockey will cast their vote for him to win this prestigious award,” he added

In 2019, Women’s Hockey Captain Rani became the first from India to win the World Games Athlete of the Year with 1,99,477 votes.

This will be the Ninth edition of the IWGA initiative that recognizes and honors an athlete or a team for their outstanding performance in 2021, or for their social commitment or particularly fair behavior.