Hockey India Announces Nominees for 8th Annual Awards 2025
Hockey India Unveils Nominees for Prestigious Awards
On Monday, Hockey India disclosed the nominees for its 8th Annual Awards, scheduled for March 27 in New Delhi. These awards aim to honor exceptional performances and contributions to Indian hockey throughout the 2025 season.
Highlighting Top Performers
Among the evening's most esteemed accolades will be the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr Award for 'Player of the Year', which will be awarded to the leading male and female athletes. The event will also spotlight rising stars with the Hockey India 'Jugraj Singh Award' for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men - Under 21) and the Hockey India 'Asunta Lakra Award' for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women - Under 21). Additionally, excellence in various playing positions will be recognized through several awards, including the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year, the Hockey India 'Pargat Singh Award' for Defender of the Year, the Hockey India 'Ajit Pal Singh Award' for Midfielder of the Year, and the Hockey India 'Dhanraj Pillay Award' for Forward of the Year, as stated in a press release from Hockey India.
Celebrating Comprehensive Excellence
A total of 32 nominees have been shortlisted across these eight categories. The ceremony will also feature special recognitions such as the 'Hockey India President Award' for Outstanding Achievement and the Hockey India 'Jaman Lal Sharma Award' for Invaluable Contribution. Furthermore, officials will be honored with the 'Hockey India President Award' for Umpire/Umpire Manager of the Year, the 'Hockey India President Award' for Technical Official of the Year, and the 'Best Member Unit Award'.
Honoring Recent Achievements
The event will also pay tribute to the gold medal-winning Indian men's Hockey Team from the Hero Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar 2025, as well as the bronze medal-winning Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team from the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu 2025. Additionally, Member Units will be recognized for their achievements in the 15th Hockey India National Championships.
Leadership on the Importance of Recognition
Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey emphasized, "As we approach a pivotal year for Indian hockey, it is essential to acknowledge the standout performers and contributions from the past year. The Hockey India Annual Awards celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of players and officials who continue to elevate the standards of Indian hockey. We eagerly anticipate honoring their efforts and the progress made in the sport."
Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh remarked, "These awards recognize the collective efforts of everyone involved in the sport, including players, coaches, officials, and member units. Their commitment has been crucial in strengthening the hockey ecosystem in India. We look forward to coming together to celebrate the achievements of our hockey community."
Nominees for the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025
Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year 2025
Prince Deep Singh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Bichu Devi Kharibam, Suraj Karkera
Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year 2025
Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh
Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year 2025
Hardik Singh, Sumit, Raj Kumar Pal, Nilakanta Sharma
Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year 2025
Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Navneet Kaur, Shilanand Lakra
Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025 (Women - Under 21)
Sakshi Rana, Jyoti Singh, Sunelita Toppo, Kanika Siwach
Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025 (Men - Under 21)
Prince Deep Singh, Manmeet Singh, Anmol Ekka, Arshdeep Singh
Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2025 (Women)
Navneet Kaur, Salima Tete, Lalremsiami, Savita
Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2025 (Men)
Hardik Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Sanjay, Abhishek.