LAHORE: Pakistan player Abdul Rehman and goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam of Indian women’s team won the Poligras Magic Skill Awards for their spectacular action in scoring and saving goals during the FIH World Cup held in the Netherlands and Belgium last month.
“Following the conclusion of the exciting FIH World Cup, Belgium and the Netherlands 2026, hockey fans the world over have elected Bichu Devi Kharibam [India] and Abdul Rehman [Pakistan] as winners of the Poligras Magic Skill Awards,” the FIH announced on Friday.
“The award for the men’s competition went to Abdul Rehman for his mind-blowing 3D skills that saw him skip past four defenders, before adding a smart finish to score for Pakistan against Wales. Rehman’s goal received 44% of the votes narrowly edging ahead of Kenton Melville’s audacious goal, which received 39% of all votes.
“Eventually, the Poligras Magic Skill Award for the women’s competition went to Kharibam for her stunning reflect save in the final minute of the game against England that ensured their qualification from the pool stage on the way towards a 5th-place finish — Indian women team’s best finish in 52 years. The Indian goalkeeper received 52% of all the votes, well clear of the other two nominees,” the FIH said.
“Big congratulations to Kharibam and Abdul Rehman on the success, and thanks to all fans for voting,” the FIH said.
“The prestigious Poligras Magic Skill Award celebrates the extraordinary talent and innovative skills of hockey players worldwide. It stands as a testament to Poligras’s commitment to hockey innovation and nurturing the next generation.
Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2026
