Sreejesh 2nd Indian to win World Games Athlete award

NEW DELHI, Jan 31: Veteran India hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh on Monday won the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year for his 2021 performances, becoming only the second Indian to receive the accolade. In 2020, Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal became the first Indian to win the honour for her 2019 show. Sreejesh beat competition from sport climber Alberto Ginés López of Spain and Italy’s wushu player Michele Giordano for the award. “I’m very honoured to win this award. First of all, a big thank you to FIH for nominating me for this award, and secondly thanks to all the Indian hockey lovers around the world, who voted for me,” Sreejesh said. Sreejesh received 1,27,647 votes, while Lopez and Giordane accumulated 67,428 and 52,046 votes respectively. The 33-year-old was the only Indian nominated and was recommended by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). (PTI)