Hockey India congratulates Rani on being the first Indian to win the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year 2019 award
Published By : Lelin Mallick | January 30, 2020 8:52 PM
Share
New Delhi, Jan 30: Hockey India on Thursday congratulated the Indian Women's Hockey Team Captain Rani for being the first Indian athlete to win the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year 2019 Award. This was the 6th edition of the IWGA (International World Games Association) initiative that recognises and honours an athlete or a team for their outstanding performance in 2019, or for their social commitment or particularly fair behaviour. The 25 athletes nominated for this award from 25 sports were recommended by their International Federations and in Rani's case, the FIH had recommended her name for the award for her outstanding performance and her ability to lead by example. She was instrumental in India qualifying for the first time in back-to-back Olympic Games. The winner was adjudged through the number of public votes garnered and Rani accumulated a mammoth 199,477 votes. Last year, the Acrobatic Gymnastics couple Mariia Chernova and Georgii Pataraia (Russia) won the title with 159,348 votes, just ahead of American Powerlifter Jennifer Thompson with 152,865 votes. Rani who was recently shortlisted for the prestigious Padma Shri award, thanked her fans and well wishers for supporting her and voting for her to win the World Games Athlete of the Year 2019. "I thank each and everyone for supporting me and ensuring they voted for me. I am overwhelmed with the number of people, Indian sports Icons and also celebrities who urged everyone to vote for me and in return ensured the focus remained on Indian Women's Hockey. If I have been able to come this far in the sport then it is because of my teammates too. I dedicate this award to Women's Hockey and all those young aspiring women who want to chase their dreams, nothing is impossible if you believe in it. Thank you," stated an emotional Rani, who is in New Zealand for a five-match tour. Congratulating Rani, Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, President, Hockey India said, "I congratulate Rani for winning the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year 2019 Award. This is a very proud moment for all of us. She is the first Indian athlete to win this award and through her achievements Rani has been able to draw a lot of attention towards women's hockey. Many people are aware of the team's recent accomplishments and I am confident this team is capable of winning larger goals and I wish Rani and the team best of luck this Olympic Year."
Prameya English Is Now On WhatsApp Join And Get Latest News Updates Delivered To You Via WhatsApp
You Might Also Like
More From Related News
India Need Just Seven Wickets on Final Day After Quicks Shatter England's Top Order
From Organizer to Champion: Neeraj Chopra Triumphs at His Namesake Javelin Event in Bengaluru
After an Epic See-Saw Battle, India Emerge with a Commanding 244-Run Lead
Gill's 269 Sets the Stage, Bowlers Strike Thrice to Leave England Reeling in Second Test
"Is Lords More Important Than Series?": Sangakkara Slams Gambhir for "Carrying Baggage"
England's Bowlers Strike Key Blows, but Captain Gill's Unbeaten 114 Leaves Second Test on a Balance
India Rests Bumrah, Brings in Two All-Rounders in Major Shake-Up for Must-Win Second Test
Odisha’s Pratap, Amandeep named for India A men hockey squad
Tribunal Reinstates IPS Officer as CM Blames Intelligence Failure for Stampede
Ayush Shetty’s Towering Attack Earns Him Maiden Super 300 Title at US Open
Saraju & Ramesh elected as SJFI president & secretary respectively
48 member Odisha Wushu team to join National Junior meet
OSJA hosts Odisha Sports Growth and Opportunities conclave
Neeraj Chopra’s Consistent Excellence Earns Him the World No. 1 Crown
Selection Questions Mount for India as Key Fast Bowlers Skip Practice Ahead of Birmingham Test
Odisha eves crowned as the champions of the 1st Hockey India Masters Cup 2025
Karnataka emerges overall champion of the National Aquatic Championships
Powerful Chennai Bulls dominate Kalinga Black Tigers in GMR RPL
"I Made Wrong Friends": Prithvi Shaw's Explosive Confession on Career Downfall and Personal Struggles
Bengaluru Bravehearts seal semi-final berth with win against the Kalinga Black Tigers in GMR RPL