NEW DELHI: Lalremsiami, international hockey's rising star of 2019, says the award will act as great motivation to serve the Indian women's team better in the upcoming Olympics.

The 19-year-old was announced as the winner of the prestigious award earlier on Tuesday.

"The award obviously serves as a great motivation for the upcoming Olympics, and gives me more confidence and belief to go on and do my best for the team for years to come," said Lalremsiami.

Lalremsiami, who lost her father last year, before taking on Chile in the semifinal of the FIH Women's World Series Finals, dedicated the award to him.

"I had a mixed year in 2019, and it was a huge personal loss for me when I lost my father. He always motivated me to do well, and I am sure he would be giving his blessings from above. I would like to dedicate this award to him," said the youngster.

She won her first gold medal with the Indian team in 2017 when they won the Asia Cup.

Hailing from Mizoram, Lalremsiami also helped her team win the Olympic Test Event in Tokyo late last year, and then the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, which saw India book a berth at the all-important Tokyo Olympics.

"It is a huge honour for me because there were so many great players nominated in the same category. I am really thankful to my family for giving me the freedom to choose my career in hockey, and to my Coaches and teammates who have always supported me throughout," she said.

Originally posted here:
FIH award will act as motivation to do better in Olympics: Lalremsiami - Times of India