WSH: Revolution in prize money

When the Player of the Tournament, fashionably named Rockstar of the WSH, Gurjinder Singh of India received a cheque of Rs.1 crore (approx. USD 2,22,500) from Harish Thawani, Chairman of Nimbus Sports, a history of sort had been made in the traditionally cash-strapped hockey, a sport known for being a perennial pauper, which incidentally happens to be the national game in India.

Rs. 1 crore is the highest award ever given to a team or player in the history of hockey, and behold Gurjinder is just 18 years old, yet to play for India in any age group, though named captain for Sultan of Johor Cup last November which he had to miss out due to a minor injury.

Such a huge money has never been thought of in the world hockey, but in India in the World Series Hockey its a reality now. A dream come true for the present generation of Indian players.

What Gurjinder Singh got in addition to rockstar Rs.1 crore, is Rs.25 lakh which he will share equally with Pakistan player Imran Warsi, both having struck as many as 19 goals to be the joint WSH top goal scorers.

Tribal star Roshan Minz, having been adjudged the Indian Superstar, got Rs.50 lakh (USD 111,500), another huge cash prize.

Shakeel Abbasi of Pakistan got the Game Changer award which is again a mind boggling Rs.25 lakh. Shahbaz Ahmad received the award on behalf of him in the absence of the Pakistan’s centre-forward.

Rookier star of the WSH, young Lalit Upadhyay of Bhopal Badshahs got Rs.10 lakh the same amount coach of the WSH team, Rajinder Singh too got. This award is named after Balkirshen Singh, 1980 Olympic hockey coach, and Olympic gold medalist himself.

In all the prize monies given away were simply mind-boggling.

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It is unfortunate though the two teams that entered the semis, Shers and Comets, did not get franchise.

The complete list of prize money winners

1. Bridgestone WSH Rockstar (INR 1 crore) : Gurjinder Singh from Chandigarh Comets

2. Bridgestone WSH Indian Superstar (INR 50 lacs): Roshan Minz of Pune Strykers

3. Bridgestone WSH Golden Stick (INR 25 lacs): shared between Syed Imran Warsi from Chennai Cheetahs and Gurjinder Singh from Chandigarh Comets (19 goals apiece)

4. Bridgestone WSH Game Changer (INR 25 lacs): Shakeel Abbasi of Delhi Wizards

5. Bridgestone WSH Rookie of the Year (INR 10 lacs): Lalit Upadhyay of Bhopal Badshahs

6. Bridgestone WSH Best Coach (Balkrishna Award): Rajinder Singh of Sher-e-Punjab