India's Lalremsiami named FIH Rising Star of 2019

NEW DELHI: India's star striker Lalremsiami on Monday became the first women's hockey player from the country to win the FIH Rising Star of the Year award.
The 19-year-old Lalremsiami from Mizoram joined Vivek Sagar Prasad, who became the first men's player from India to win the award earlier on the same day.
Lalremsiami left fellow nominees Julieta Jankunas of Argentina, Zhong Jianqi of China and Frederique Matla of the Netherlands behind to win the award.

In a video posted by FIH, India captain Rani Rampal was seen breaking the news to her young team-mate. Incidentally, Rani is the only other Indian player to be nominated ever for the award. She was in the race in 2010, 2013 and 2014.

"I didn't expect to win it, but I'm so happy now," Lalremsiami said in a video posted by FIH. "I am happy with my performance in 2019, and we qualified for the Olympics as well. I would like to dedicate this award to my team."

Congratulating Lalremsiami, Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, President of Hockey India said, "I congratulate Lalremsiami for winning the prestigious FIH Rising Star of the Year award. She is a youth icon for youngsters in Mizoram and she has done very well for the team since her debut. She has great potential and I wish her the very best in future tournaments."