Sportskeeda Awards 2014: Indian Hockey Players of the Year

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.