Recognition to Merino

Of course, it was not the only recognition for Argentine hockey on the night in Berlin, as Delfina Merino was chosen as the best senior women's player in the world, a prize that Luciana Aimar won eight times.

Social media echoed the awards received by María José Granatto and Delfina Merino. For example, congratulations were expressed by Las Leonas and former players of the Argentine hockey team, as well as Gabriela Sabatini, who always has this kind of gesture when a national athlete receives a mention or achieves something important in competition.

On the other hand, Juan Manuel Vivaldi and Gonzalo Peillat, nominated for best goalkeeper and best field player, respectively, were once again overlooked by the FIH's voting.

By ADRIÁN D'AMELIO
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She seemed nervous. And no wonder, all the eyes of the world of hockey were on Berlin last night (our afternoon) for the awards ceremony for the best players of 2017, which are supported by the International Hockey Federation.

There's Majo. Dressed in an elegant long white dress, which highlights her tanned skin even more. The party started with the recognition of the best referees and coaches until the host announced from the stage that the award for the best U23 player, also known as "the emerging star", was going to be given.

Majo's heart races. She is nominated alongside the Dutch players Xan de Waard, Federique Matla, and Laura Nunnink, and the German player Nike Lorenz. Then, the presenter takes the paper out of the envelope and says, "the winner is María Granatto," while behind her, on a giant screen, the name of the Santa Bárbara and Las Leonas player appears and the musical introduction of Cyndi Lauper's song, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," plays.

With the shyness that characterizes her, Majo walks the distance that separates her from where she was waiting until she reaches the stage to receive the award. There was some "confusion," typical of the nerves of the Santa player, since the person who presented the award tried to give her two kisses, one on each cheek, something that is customary in European society, but Granatto turned her face away without realizing it; although everything ended there with a big smile from the little gladiator posing with the statuette for the photographers' flashes.

Majo makes her way by walking, since after Soledad García from Córdoba, she is the first Argentine player to receive the U23 World Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year. It should be remembered that on that occasion, the ceremony took place in Chandigarh, India.

The selection of the winners in each of the categories was made through a panel composed of the FIH Athletes' Commission, continental federations, coaches, specialized press, and also through the vote of fans on social media.

"I am very happy with this award. Being nominated was already an achievement for me," commented Granatto, to which she added, "despite being very nervous, I am incredibly happy from the bottom of my heart. Furthermore, it serves as motivation for everything I have ahead of me this year in competition, including, among other things, the World Cup in London, which, if called up, will be my first senior World Cup," said an excited Majo.