FIH Hockey Pro League 2022: Defender Harmanpreet Singh gets 'Hero Top Scorer Award'

Indian men's hockey team defender Harmanpreet Singh was on Friday honored with the 'Hero Top Scorer Award' along with a cash prize. He achieved the award for being the leading goalscorer in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-22.

After playing 16 matches last season, the 25-year-old Harmanpreet had scored 18 goals, 14 of which came from penalty corners. Apart from this, Harmanpreet has also crossed the number of his international goals to 100.

The drag-flicker received the award after the match between India and New Zealand at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

Accepting the honour, Harmanpreet Singh said, "I am thankful to FIH for presenting me with the award and for recognising my efforts. I want to dedicate this to my teammates who have supported me throughout my sporting career and have helped me every step of the way."

The Indian men's hockey team finished third in the FIH Men's Hockey Pro League last season. They scored 30 points from 16 matches. With the start of the new season, Harmanpreet has expressed hope of winning the title this time.

"With the start of the new season of FIH Pro League, I wish to continue to perform in the same vein of form and hope that this time. I can help the team in winning the title," He added.

Meanwhile, the senior men's hockey team defeated New Zealand 4-3 in their opening match of the FIH Pro League 2022-23 at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar after going down two goals. Mandeep Mor (13'), captain Harmanpreet Singh (41') and Mandeep Singh (51', 56') scored for India on Friday. While Sam Lane (22', 35') and Jake Smith (22', 35') scored for India. 34') scored.

India will take on Spain in their second match on Sunday at 7:10 pm IST.