Harmanpreet, Savita, and Sreejesh Among Nominees for Hockey India Annual Awards

New Delhi, March 10 (NationPress) The Hockey India Annual Awards are set to take place on March 15, marking the 50th anniversary of the Indian men's team’s iconic World Cup victory on this very date in 1975, which remains their first and only title to date, as stated by the national governing body of the sport on Monday.

Notable Indian hockey players such as Harmanpreet Singh, PR Sreejesh, Savita, and Lalremsiami are among the nominees across different categories for this prestigious award.

Adding to the importance, 2025 will mark 100 years of Indian hockey, as India became affiliated with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on November 7, 1925, a year after FIH was established. This significant milestone pays homage to India’s rich hockey heritage and its lasting influence on the sport.

With a record prize pool of approximately Rs 12 crores, this awards ceremony promises to be the most grandiose. A total of 32 nominees have made it to the final shortlist across eight categories.

The ceremony will also feature various special awards, including the Hockey India President Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Hockey India Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution.

The Olympic bronze medal-winning team will be honored, alongside the Men's and Women's teams that triumphed in the Asian Champions Trophy in 2024. The Junior Asia Cup-winning Men’s and Women’s teams will also receive recognition during the event.

Dr. Dilip Kumar Tirkey, president of Hockey India, expressed, “It’s not merely about acknowledging individual accomplishments but celebrating the collective spirit of Indian hockey that has shone through in 2024. We are eager to unite as a community to commend their efforts and inspire a new generation of players.”

Bhola Nath Singh, secretary general of Hockey India, added, “These awards serve as a tribute to the unwavering pursuit of excellence by everyone involved in the sport—from players to coaches and officials. Their dedication has been vital to the growth of hockey, and we are extremely proud to acknowledge their contributions.”

The nominees for the Hockey India Annual Awards 2024:

Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year 2024

1. Bichu Devi Kharibam
2. Krishan Bahadur Pathak
3. PR Sreejesh
4. Savita

Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year 2023

1. Sanjay
2. Amit Rohidas
3. Harmanpreet Singh
4. Udita

Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year 2024

1. Jarmanpreet Singh
2. Hardik Singh
3. Nilakanta Sharma
4. Sumit

Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year 2024

1. Lalremsiami
2. Abhishek
3. Sukhjeet Singh
4. Navneet Kaur

Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21)

1. Beauty Dungdung
2. Deepika
3. Vaishnavi Vithal Phalke
4. Sunelita Toppo

Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21)

1. Arshdeep Singh
2. Amir Ali
3. Shardanand Tiwari
4. Araijeet Singh Hundal

Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year (Women)

1. Savita Punia
2. Salima Tete
3. Sangita Kumari
4. Navneet Kaur

Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year (Men)

1. Abhishek
2. Hardik Singh
3. Harmanpreet Singh
4. Sukhjeet Singh