New Delhi, Aug 24 (IBNS): India's cuban boxing coach Blas Iglesias Fernandez was excited as he became the first foreign coach in the country to be honoured with the prestigious Dronacharya Award.

"As you know this honour was only given to Indians, therefore I never expected to receive it and was very surprised to know that I would be in the reckoning and be approved for it," said the Cuban.

Fernandez along with Yashvir Singh, coach of two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar, were the eight coaches to be selected for the Dronacharya Award.

The other coaches who will be getting the Dronacharya award are Virender Poonia (athletics), Sunil Dabas (Women's kabaddi), Harendra Singh (hockey), Satyapal Singh (para athletics), J.S. Bhatia (athletics) and Bhawani Mukherjee (table tennis).

Fernandez has been rewarded for his 22 years service to Indian boxing.

"I starting working with the Indian team 22 years ago. Its has been a long journey but a rewarding one and being the first foreign coach to receive it makes it all that more special. I am thankful to the ministry, IABF (Indian Amateur Boxing Federation) and everyone for their support," expressed Fernandez.

"It's a great honour for me to have been nominated and approved for this award. I am very happy to have received this recognition. The Dronacharya Award is a very prestigious honour and I am proud to be included in the list of some great names," he added.