New Delhi, March 26 (NationPress) As the eighth Hockey India Annual Awards approaches on March 27 in New Delhi, promising Indian hockey talents Sakshi Rana and Anmol Ekka expressed their joy and enthusiasm over their nominations for the esteemed under-21 accolades.

Anmol has received a nomination for the 2025 Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men U21), while Sakshi is in contention for the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025 (Women – Under 21). These nominations are a testament to the significant contributions both players made over the past year.

Reflecting on his nomination, Anmol stated, “Being nominated for this award feels incredible. Many esteemed players have received this recognition previously, and I never expected to be among the nominees. Seeing my name was a surprising and wonderful moment. I haven't yet shared this news with my family. I plan to tell them when I hopefully win.”

At just 20 years old, Anmol showcased his skills during the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 in Tamil Nadu, where he scored four goals, all from penalty corners. His standout moment came in the third-place match against Argentina, where his goal was pivotal in securing the bronze medal for India, earning him the ‘Player of the Match’ honor.

On his experience at the tournament, Anmol noted, “I gained immense experience and exposure at the Junior World Cup. It felt like a reward for the hard work I have put in over the last few years.”

Anmol views his nomination for the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025 as just the beginning of his career. He remains dedicated to improving his skills and aims to represent the senior team in the future.

“There are aspects of my game that I want to enhance, particularly with penalty corners. Since I’m still part of the junior team, I have a few years to display my abilities consistently. If I achieve that, I believe I will receive a call-up to the senior squad. Once I am there, I will strive to perform at my best,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sakshi Rana has been making waves with her performances on the field. The 18-year-old made her debut for India's senior team in February of last year and later captained the junior team as vice-captain during the FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup in Santiago in December. She scored three goals during the tournament, showcasing her speed and scoring talent.

In her senior career, Sakshi has netted two goals in 12 matches and played a crucial role in helping India qualify for the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026 scheduled for August.

Commenting on her past year’s achievements, Sakshi said, “I participated in the Junior World Cup and made my senior debut in February last year. All of this has been possible due to my hard work, which is paramount for me. I will continue to push myself and give my utmost for the team.”

Expressing her joy over being nominated for the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025, Sakshi remarked, “I was overjoyed when I learned about the nomination. It felt rewarding to know that my efforts are being recognized. I haven't yet informed my family about this nomination due to my travel schedule, but I hope to share this good news with them soon after I win.”

With an eye on the FIH Hockey World Cup Belgium & Netherlands 2026, Sakshi emphasized her preparation and mindset. “Our initial goal was to qualify for the World Cup. With that accomplished, we will unite as a team, focusing on our structure and intricate details during training camps while collaborating closely with our coaches. As a centre half, I’m learning the importance of swiftly transitioning with the ball and managing the tempo of the game. That's our current focus and mindset,” she concluded.