Star Forward Akashdeep Singh in contention for FIH Rising Star of the Year Award

Akashdeep Singh

Indian hockey forward Akashdeep Singh’s star is on the rise. After being part of the squad that won a bronze medal in the Hockey World League Finals, a feat that’s been 33 years in the making, Akashdeep is one of five players shortlisted for the Federation of International Hockey’s (FIH) “Rising Star of the Year” Award.

Akashdeep has been the spearhead of the Indian offensive line for a while and was instrumental in India’s win over the Netherlands in the bronze medal match in the Hockey World League Final.

The 21-year-old will have to see off competition from Germany’s Christopher Ruhr, Australia’s Blake Govers, Ireland’s Shane O'Donoghue and Canada’s Sukhi Panesar, according to Times of India. 

Since breaking into the senior squad in 2013, Akashdeep has tasted quite a bit of success. The Punjab lad was part of the team that beat Pakistan in the Incheon Asian Games last year to win the gold (and end a 16-year draught) and propel India into next year’s Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.

Akashdeep’s journey has been mercurial, from captaining the junior team to a bronze medal in the 2011 Junior Asia Cup in Malaysia. The striker really turned heads when he became the most expensive player in this year’s Hockey India League auctions. 

The Uttar Pradesh Wizards won the bidding war by shelling out an incredible $84,000 or Rs. 55.5 Lakhs for the young man. A pretty penny, indeed.