New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) – Hockey India has revealed the nominees for the Annual Awards 2025 on Monday, with the ceremony set for March 27. These prestigious awards will celebrate remarkable achievements and contributions to Indian hockey over the 2025 season.

One of the highlight awards of the evening is the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year, given to the top male and female players. The event will also recognize promising talent through 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).

Excellence in various positions will be acknowledged with specific awards: 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.

A total of 32 nominees across these eight categories have been shortlisted for the final selection.

The ceremony will also recognize additional achievements, including the Hockey India President Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Hockey India Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution. Awards will be given to officials such as 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.

Additionally, a special ceremony will honor the Indian Men’s Hockey Team for their gold medal victory at the Asia Cup in Rajgir, Bihar, 2025, along with the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team that clinched bronze at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu, 2025. Member Units will also be recognized for their achievements during the 15th Hockey India National Championships.

Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey stated, “As we embark on a pivotal year for Indian hockey, it's essential to honor the standout performers and contributions from the past year. The Hockey India Annual Awards acknowledge the dedication and accomplishments of players and officials who consistently elevate the standards of Indian hockey. We are eager to celebrate their efforts and the progress made in the sport.”

Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh remarked, “These awards reflect the collective efforts of all involved in the sport, including players, coaches, officials, and member units. Their commitment has been essential in fortifying the hockey ecosystem in India. We anticipate coming together to celebrate the successes of our hockey community.”

Nominees for the Hockey India Eighth Annual Awards 2025 include:

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