The Netherlands Yibbi Jansen and Jeroen Delmee and Scotland’s Sarah Wilson were among the big winners from the FIH Hockey Stars announced this evening in Oman.

Following a vote by an Expert Panel, National Associations – represented by their respective national teams’ captains and coaches – fans and media, Jansen was awarded the women’s FIH Players of the year 2024

She was a deserving winner having starred at the Paris 2024 Olympics where she led Netherlands to yet another gold medal.

She scored nine goals along the way including the leveller in the gold medal match with less than 10 minutes to go in the match, to get her team back in the contest and eventually to the top step of the podium.

Speaking about that pivotal moment, she said: “The Olympic Gold was always the biggest dream of my life and this summer that dream came true.

“Thank you to my teammates who all worked so hard for us to make this dream a reality. With 10 minutes left in the game and trailing, it was nervous moments.

“But we have been working so hard for so long and we are all really close to each other, on and off the field, so we always had faith in each other that we could overturn it and win. So thanks to them for everything!”

Delmee was named the men’s coach of the year having led the Dutch to their first Olympic gold since Sydney 2000.

His focus on discipline and adaptability allowed the Netherlands to overcome tough competition, culminating in a thrilling gold medal match victory.

Asked how it felt to win an Olympic gold as a player and as a coach, which earned him this award, he said: “Honestly, my emotions were much higher winning the Olympics as a coach as compared to when I was a player, even though it sounds strange.

“You work hard for four years working with a big group of players trying to achieve the gold medal.

“It makes the final result just so much more beautiful and I have seen pictures of myself crying when we won the gold and it means so much to work as a coach and help the young players achieve their great moment. So it was even more special for me as a coach to win the Olympic gold than as a player.”

Scotland’s Sarah Wilson was selected as the women’s FIH Umpire of the Year following an outstanding 2024, culminating in the gold medal game at the Olympic Games.

With 235 international matches to her name, she has been one of the outstanding officials at the highest level for many years.

Indeed, in 2021, Wilson made history by becoming the first woman to umpire the men’s EuroHockey Championship final.

Wilson said of the win: “That anything is possible. If you put your mind to it, work hard and believe then you can absolutely achieve anything.

“People may tell you you can’t do something. Many of them thought female umpires shouldn’t umpire in men’s games, but we have all shown it’s all possible and hopefully inspired future generations into achieving even more!”

** To find out more about the other award winners from the FIH Stars, click here