Hockey India has officially announced the nominees for the 7th edition of the Hockey India Annual Awards, set to take place on 15th March 2025 in New Delhi. This year’s ceremony holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of India’s historic World Cup victory in 1975, the nation’s first and only triumph in the tournament.
With a record prize pool of approximately INR 12 crores, the event is poised to be the most extravagant edition yet, celebrating the top-performing players, coaches, and officials who contributed to Indian hockey’s success in 2024. A total of 32 nominees across eight categories have been shortlisted for the prestigious honors.
Key Award Categories and Highlights
Among the most coveted awards is the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year, recognizing the most outstanding male and female hockey players. The rising stars of Indian hockey will also be honored through the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men) and the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women).
Additionally, individual excellence across different positions will be acknowledged with awards including:
Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year
Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year
Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year
Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year
The ceremony will also honor significant contributions beyond playing, such as the Hockey India President Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Hockey India Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution.
Hockey officials will also be recognized with awards for Umpire/Umpire Manager of the Year, Technical Official of the Year, and Best Member Unit.
A Tribute to Indian Hockey’s Legacy
Beyond celebrating individual excellence, this year’s event coincides with a historic milestone: 100 years of Indian hockey. India officially joined the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on 7th November 1925, just a year after the global body’s formation. The awards ceremony will serve as a platform to reflect on the nation’s glorious hockey heritage and its contributions to the sport.
As part of the celebrations, Hockey India will felicitate India’s Olympic bronze medal-winning team and the Men’s and Women’s teams that secured the Asian Champions Trophy in 2024. The Junior Asia Cup-winning Men’s and Women’s teams will also receive special honors.
Statements from Hockey India Officials
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Kumar Tirkey expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating:
“The Hockey India Annual Awards 2024 is a testament to the resilience and passion of our players. These nominations celebrate the tireless efforts of our athletes, who continue to elevate Indian hockey. This event is not just about individual recognition but also about fostering a strong and united hockey fraternity.”
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh echoed similar sentiments, saying:
“These awards acknowledge the relentless dedication of everyone involved in Indian hockey. From players to coaches, umpires, and officials, each individual plays a crucial role in the sport’s development. We look forward to an unforgettable evening that will inspire future generations.”
List of Nominees for the Hockey India Annual Awards 2024
Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year
Bichu Devi Kharibam
Krishan Bahadur Pathak
PR Sreejesh
Savita
Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year
Sanjay
Amit Rohidas
Harmanpreet Singh
Udita
Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year
Jarmanpreet Singh
Hardik Singh
Nilakanta Sharma
Sumit
Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year
Lalremsiami
Abhishek
Sukhjeet Singh
Navneet Kaur
Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21)
Beauty Dungdung
Deepika
Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke
Sunelita Toppo
Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21)
Arshdeep Singh
Amir Ali
Shardanand Tiwari
Araijeet Singh Hundal
Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year (Women)
Savita Punia
Salima Tete
Sangita Kumari
Navneet Kaur
Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year (Men)
Abhishek
Hardik Singh
Harmanpreet Singh
Sukhjeet Singh
With anticipation building up, the Hockey India Annual Awards 2024 promises to be a grand occasion celebrating excellence, perseverance, and the future of Indian hockey.