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For all the connoiseurs of hockey, 2014 has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride.After finishing disappointing 9th place in the Hockey World Cup in Hague, India bounced back in style to bag the silver medal in the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow.Bettering the silver medal win, India clinched gold in the Asian Games after 16 years and directly qualified for the Rio Olympics 2016.India have summed up the year with a test series win down under and finished respectable fourth position in the Champions Trophy.Well every player contributed to the remarkable success of the team, we pick few players from the lot who have been exceptional all round the year.Here is our list of 5 best hockey players, 2014.
#5 Rupinder Pal Singh
The lanky defender from Punjab has been the wall of Indian defence with his consistent performances. Currently hailed as one of the best drag-flickers in the world, it was his combined 11 goals haul in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games that helped the Indian team bag silver and gold medals respectively.
His untiring work at the back and penalty corner conversion rate has been superb.
Unfazed by the incoming balls from the rival drag-flickers during their penalty corners, his courageous runs tells about the committment of this defender. His never-say-die attitude at the back has been one of the reasons behind India’s new found fighting spirit till the last seconds of the game.
#4 Akashdeep Singh
At 20, this young forward has taken huge strides in the International hockey this year. His talent was on display when he was chosen the most prominent player in the Hockey India League 2014. His knack of scoring all-important goals in crucial stages has made him an indispensable part of the Indian squad.
It was his superb goals in both the semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games which rescued India and lend a helping hand in reaching the finals.
Along with his scoring prowess, his immaculate control and dribbling with the ball has made the forward a menacing prospect for the defenders. In the recently concluded Champions Trophy, not only did he score, he also manufactured a plethora of chances for the team. His contribution was duly awarded when he was adjudged the 'Best Junior Player of the Tournament'.
#3 Manpreet Singh
It won’t be a hyperbole to say that Manpreet Singh is the “ Next Sardar in the Making”. Such has been the rise of this young midfielder, his age belies his maturity in the field.
He has played more than 100 international games in his young career. He captained India in the 2013 Junior World cup & it was under his guidance that India won the Sultan of Johor Cup title in 2013.
Taking note of his steady performances this year,Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) named him Junior men's player of the Year at its Congress held in Kuala Lumpur.
A skilfull player to the hilt, he has been another calm face beside Sardar Singh in the midfield. It is almost impossible for the rival defenders to steal the ball from him and his vision in giving the quintessential passes to the forwards has been more than impressive. He definitely is a potential future Indian captain.
#2 Sardar Singh
For the last few years, Sardar Singh has been the central figure and a pivotal player for the Indian team.His presence in the Indian side has the similar impact which Dhoni has in the Indian cricket team. He has led the Indian Hockey team from the front and it was under his able leadership that India touched great heights this year.
Starting from the Commonwealth games silver to Asian games gold, he has been the guiding force behind this team.
A midfielder by trade, his ability to pull the strings in the centre of the pitch and intercept the rival’s attack has been tremendous to India’s winning cause. His visionary passes upfront and capability to hold the ball in a non chalant manner apprises about his class and game. He has been a consistent perfomer and hardly had a game where his performance was below par. He is a favorite among the fans which was further manifested when he received the “Fan’s Choice” award in the just concluded Champions Trophy.
#1 P. R. Sreejesh
Every word of appreciation would be short for the Indian goalie P.R. Sreejesh’s performance this year. He has been the epitome of consistency and his performance has been unparalleled compared to any of the goal-keepers in International hockey.
Whether it be the heroics of Asian Games or Champions trophy, India would not have achieved any of it without the quick reflex saves of this gentleman.
The last man in defence, he has stood tall when all have faltered. Pakistan, who had bore the brunt of his impossible saves in the Asian games were so wary of him that they were forced to take short penalty corners in the semi-finals of Champions trophy. Indubitably, he was awarded the best goal-keeper of the tournament.
He is surely is our no.1 hockey player of the year and without him every achievement in hockey this year would have been umimaginable.
