Sportskeeda's Indian Sportsperson of the Year 2016 – No. 25 to No. 16

#19 Rupinder Pal Singh

Indian hockey had a good year and Rupinder’s performances were noteworthy

This year, the Indian Hockey team has shown the world that they are a team to reckon with and one the integral members of the team was Rupinder Pal Singh. Arguably, one of the best drag-flick specialists in the world, this serial goal-scorer has been in top form this year.

Rupinder started the year with a brilliant performance at the 2016 Hockey India League. He top-scored for Delhi Waveriders and ended the tournament by winning the player of the tournament. He also played a crucial role at the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament and the Champions Trophy in London. India finished as runners-up in both the tournaments.

His best performance, however, came at the Asian Champions Trophy. The 26-year-old netted 11 goals in the tournament as India went on to lift the trophy by beating Pakistan in the finals. His goal in the final ensured India’s 3-2 victory over their fierce rivals.

Rupinder was awarded the player of the tournament yet again as he ended as the top-scorer. His goals helped India re-establish their forte in hockey and he is placed at 19^th on our list.