Indian Hockey Stars Lalremsiami and Rajkumar Pal Honored with Arjuna Award 2025

Hockey India proudly announces that Lalremsiami and Rajkumar Pal have been awarded the Arjuna Award for 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes their exceptional contributions to Indian hockey over the years. Lalremsiami, a key player for the women's team, and Rajkumar, a midfielder for the men's team, have both showcased remarkable talent and dedication. Their achievements include significant performances in international tournaments, including the Olympics and Asian Games. This recognition not only celebrates their hard work but also inspires future generations of hockey players in India. Read on to discover more about their journeys and the impact of this award on Indian hockey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 18, 2026, 23:41 IST

Celebrating Excellence in Indian Hockey

New Delhi, August 18: Hockey India has extended its congratulations to Lalremsiami, a forward for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team, and Rajkumar Pal, a midfielder for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team, for being awarded the esteemed Arjuna Award for 2025, as revealed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The Arjuna Award, recognized as India’s second-highest sporting accolade, honors athletes for their exceptional performances over the last four years, alongside their leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline. Lalremsiami and Rajkumar are among 17 athletes selected for this prestigious award, with the President of India scheduled to present the honors at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Originating from Kolasib, Mizoram, Lalremsiami has been a vital player for the Indian Women’s Hockey Team since her senior debut in 2017. She played a significant role in the team’s remarkable fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as noted in a press release from Hockey India.

Throughout her career, Lalremsiami has represented India in various World Cups, Asian Games, and Asian Champions Trophy tournaments. She was part of the Indian squad that secured a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games, a bronze at the 2022 Asian Games, and gold at the Asian Champions Trophy in both 2023 and 2024. Additionally, she contributed to India’s gold medal victory in the Women’s Asia Cup in 2017 and participated in the 2022 and 2026 FIH Hockey Nations Cup.

Rajkumar Pal, hailing from Karampur, Uttar Pradesh, made his international debut in 2020 and was instrumental in the Indian Men’s Hockey Team’s historic back-to-back bronze medal wins at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He has also played a key role in India’s triumphs at the Asian Champions Trophy, including the gold medal in 2024. Notably, he delivered an outstanding performance during the 2024 tournament in China, scoring a hat-trick against Malaysia, and was part of the team that clinched the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed pride in the achievements of Lalremsiami and Rajkumar Pal, stating, “This is a proud moment for Indian hockey. Their dedication and consistency in representing the nation are commendable, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate them and wish them ongoing success in their careers.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh echoed these sentiments, saying, “Lalremsiami and Rajkumar Pal have proven to be reliable performers for our country, showcasing the wealth of talent in our men’s and women’s programs. This honor will not only motivate them but also inspire many young athletes to pursue the sport. Congratulations to both on this well-earned recognition.”

With this latest accolade, Lalremsiami and Rajkumar Pal join a distinguished group of Indian hockey players who have received the Arjuna Award.

Established in 1961 to honor exceptional athletes, the award has been bestowed upon numerous generations of Indian hockey legends, including Prithipal Singh, Anne Lumsden, and stars from the Dhyan Chand era, as well as contemporary players like Harmanpreet Singh, Rani, Savita, Sreejesh, Manpreet Singh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, and Salima Tete.

Hockey India congratulates Lalremsiami and Rajkumar Pal on this significant national honor and wishes them continued success as they advance their contributions to Indian hockey.