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ISLAMABAD Pakistan hockey team's experienced forward Rehan Butt has been named Sportsman of the Year by a four-member Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) panel, a federal government official told Dawn on Friday.
Rehan, 28, is widely regarded as one of the game's finest drag flickers and has represented Pakistan in 279 international matches.
The official said 'The coveted award, along with a cash prize of Rs1 million, is likely to be handed over to player by the Federal Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani.'
Five players — Aamir Atlas Khan (squash), Mohammad Essa (football), Mohammad Musharraf (kabbadi) and Rehan Butt (hockey) — were under consideration for the top award.
Finally, Rehan was selected after analysing several aspects such as his level of commitment, match performance, contribution towards the game, behaviour with the management and team members, discipline and ability to handle stress during crucial matches.
He pointed out 'We found Rehan to be the most suitable candidate while also considering the international achievement of all five individuals.'
A four-member panel comprising PSB Director General Amir Hamza Gilani, Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) General Secretary Khaliq Khan and Treasurer Mohammad Afzal along with a senior official of the Federal Ministry for Sports selected Rehan as 'Sportsman of the Year.'
'Former legends of various sports will also be included in the panel in order to bring in more transparency in the selection process for the title next year,' he said.
Meanwhile, Rehan told Dawn 'I feel very proud and happy and am grateful to the Government of Pakistan for considering me for this honour.'
He added 'The award carries a huge significance in my sports portfolio. Hockey is my passion and right now my top priority is to play an important role for Pakistan in its fight to win the 2010 World Cup. However, the 2012 London Olympics will be my last international appearance.'
'I wish to be remembered in the history of the sport by winning an international title for Pakistan,' he said.
Rehan currently plays for the Leran Dutch Hockey Club in Holland. Federal Sports Minister Pir Aftab Shah Jilani will himself make the announcement in the upcoming Sports Board meeting.
