Times of India: Mahindra Scorpio TOISA 2018 Nominees: Hockey

NEW DELHI: The third Mahindra Scorpio Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) powered by All-Out , is India’s first and largest multi discipline people’s choice sports awards. TOISA is a platform created by the Times Group to recognise and reward Indian sporting talent and achievements on a global scale and will be held soon to honour the lion hearts who have done the country proud.

Ahead of the 2018 TOISA to be held on February 26, here’s a recap of the how the pillars of the men’s and women’s teams – which were both crowned Asian champions – fared last year.

GURJANT SINGH

Was a consistent factor in India’s success both as forward and defender. During the Asia Cup triumph, Gurjant salvaged a 1-1 draw against South Korea with a last minute equaliser. Helped India beat Pakistan 4-0 to reach the final of the Asia Cup. Scored India’s opening goal of their quarter-final win over World No 3 Belgium during the Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneshwar. During the tour of Europe, scored a goal to help India beat World No 4 Netherlands 2-1 and win the series. Scored five goals in Punjab’s bronze-medal finish at the senior nationals.

GURJIT KAUR

India’s leading goal-scorer of the year with 19. Most successful goal-scorer during India’s Asia Cup title triumph with eight. Converted seven penalty corners in the Asia Cup, including hat-trick in the quarter-final against Kazakhstan. In the semi-final versus defending champions Japan, Gurjit scored two goals. Scored the most goals (4) during India’s 5-0 sweep of Belarus.

HARMANPREET SINGH

Indian team’s leading goal-scorer this year with 18. India’s top scorer at the Asia Cup with seven, a key force in the team clinching the trophy. Joint top-scorer at the Hockey World League semi-finals in London with six. Scored India’s second goal doing regular time and then the winning shot during penalty shootouts as World No 3 Belgium were knocked out of the HWL Final quarters in Bhubaneshwar. In the bronze-medal game, scored a goal as India beat Germany 2-1. Scored all three goals of India’s 3-0 win over New Zealand during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Scored a brace to help beat Belgium 3-2 during the Three Nations Invitational Tournament in Dusseldorf. Scored the equaliser during India’s 4-3 win against Austria during the team’s tour of Europe, then thundered in a second goal to put India ahead.

MANPREET SINGH

Led the Indian hockey team to the Asia Cup title in Bangladesh, bringing the trophy home after 10 years. Then captained them to bronze at the HWL Final in Bhubaneshwar. Also led India to 3-2 record on their tour of Europe, beating higher-ranked Netherlands twice in four games to bounce back from two losses to Belgium. Scored two goals in India’s 4-3 win over Netherlands.

RANI RAMPAL

Captained India to the Women’s Asia Cup title, the first time the team won it since 2004. In the penalty shootout in the final, scored two crucial goals including the winning shot. Scored two goals during the 10-0 win over Singapore and one against China during the league phase. The second most successful goal-scorer for India this year with 12.

SAVITA PUNIA

Starring role in India’s title triumph at the Women’s Asia Cup, the first time the team won it since 2004. Adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament after allowing just five goals. In the final, pulled off a brilliant save with the scores locked at 4-4 to help India beat China and secure passage to the 2018 World Cup. Kept clean sheets against Singapore and Malaysia.

To vote for your favourite archer and other Indian sports stars of 2017 ahead of this year’s Mahindra Scorpio TOISA, click here: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toisa/toisa2018nominations.cms