A host of individuals awards were announced for the super-performers as the inaugural chapter of the Bridgestone World Series Hockey league concluded here in Mumbai on Sunday. The individual awards in six categories were decided on the basis of inputs from a select panel of hockey experts including the commentators (who have watched every single match) and other hockey experts. Here are the winners in the six categories:
Bridgestone WSH ‘Rockstar’ (INR 1 crore)
Gurjinder Singh from Chandigarh Comets
Chandigarh Comets’ 18-year-old drag-flick powerhouse Gurjinder Singh made a dream debut in the league, and took home a cash prize of Rs 1 crore with the award. Hockey’s youngest crorepati indeed!
Bridgestone WSH ‘Indian Superstar (INR 50 lacs)
Roshan Minz of Pune Strykers
The 24-year-old ‘Sambalpur Express’, Pune Strykers’ forward Roshan Minz mesmerised with his performance, to take a purse of Rs 50 lakh with the award.
Bridgestone WSH ‘Golden Stick’ winners
(INR 25 lacs)
shared between Syed Imran Warsi from Chennai Cheetahs and Gurjinder Singh from Chandigarh Comets (19 goals apiece)
The award was shared by the dynamic duo of PC experts, Chandigarh Comets’ Gurjinder Singh and Cheenai Cheetah’s Pakistani star, Syed Imran Warsi, who top-scored in the league with 19 goals each. They share the Rs 25 lakh purse.
Bridgestone WSH ‘Game Changer’ (INR 25 lacs)
Shakeel Abbasi of Delhi Wizards
Delhi Wizards’ Pakistani import, Shakeel Abbasi, who also won the maximum number of MoM awards in the league, is richer by Rs 25 lakh along with the award.
Bridgestone WSH ‘Rookie of the Year’ (INR 10 lacs)
Lalit Upadhyay of Bhopal Badshahs
No youngster with the exception of Gurjnder Singh made such an impact as Bhopal Badshahs’ Lalit Upadhyay. He takes home Rs 10 lakh as prize money with the award.
Bridgestone WSH ‘Best Coach’, (Balkrishna Award)
Rajinder Singh of Sher-e-Punjab
Sher-E-Punjab’s head coach Rajinder Singh Senior made an impression on almost everyone with his understated but effective style.