New Delhi: Vivek Sagar, an international hockey player living in Chandon, a remote village in Itarsi, has been conferred with the Jugraj Singh Award for Best Emerging Male Player of the Year (Under 21) by Hockey India. Along with the trophy Vivek received prize money of Rs 10 lakh.
This award created a lot of buzz among the budding hockey players of Hoshangabad district. Vivek's parents are also happy with their son's effort being recognised.
Vivek Sagar, a midfielder, notched tremendous success within just three years of making his debut in international hockey. He first donned the Indian jersey during a four-nation invitational tournament in January 2018 when he became the second-youngest player to represent India's national team at just 17. During a match played in Tauranga, New Zealand he had scripted a record scoring two goals in India's 6-0 win over Japan in the debut match.
In the meantime, he became the youngest player to play for the Indian national team after Sandeep Singh. Sandeep Singh played at the age of 17 years 341 days, while Vivek Sagar made his debut for India at 17 years 352 days.
In a short period, Vivek has become a key player of the Indian team, scoring 15 goals in 58 international matches. At the junior level, Vivek scored 26 goals in 20 matches. He had also scored a goal in the final against Australia in the Breda Champions Trophy in June 2018.
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