The 7th Hockey India Annual Awards ceremony held special significance as it commemorated 100 years of Indian hockey and the golden jubilee of India’s historic 1975 World Cup victory.
The evening at the Hockey India Annual Awards held in New Delhi was highlighted by the presence of some of the biggest names in Indian hockey. It had a record-breaking prize pool of INR 12 crore, the largest ever in the history of the awards.
The prestigious ceremony honoured athletes, coaches, officials, and teams for their remarkable contributions, showcasing the nation’s ever-growing passion for the sport.
Savita and Harmanpreet Singh: Players of the Year 2024
Among the top honourees, Savita and Harmanpreet Singh stood out as the recipients of the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year. Savita, the indomitable force behind the Indian Women’s team, claimed the Women’s Player of the Year award for the third time, while Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian Men’s team captain, was recognized as Men’s Player of the Year. Both players received INR 25 lakh along with their trophies.
Lifetime Achievement Award for 1975 World Cup Team
The evening also saw the iconic 1975 World Cup-winning team being honoured with the Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition came with a cash prize of INR 50 lakh. Legendary players like Ashok Kumar, Ajit Pal Singh, and Surjit Singh’s family members were present to receive the award, marking an emotional and historic moment.
Special Recognition for India’s Bronze Medal at Paris
The unforgettable triumph of the Indian Men’s hockey team, which secured a bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was another highlight of the evening. Each player was presented with a scarf and INR 15 lakh, while support staff members received INR 7.5 lakh. This recognition celebrated the team’s stellar performance and the hard work of everyone involved.
Milestone Achievements and State Honors
The awards also acknowledged significant milestones in the sport. Several players reached important caps, with Amit Rohidas, Sushila Chanu, and others receiving awards for their international achievements.
Additionally, state associations such as Hockey Haryana, Hockey Jharkhand, and Hockey Punjab were recognized for their excellent performances at the 14th Hockey India National Championships, each receiving INR 10 lakh for their contributions.
Grassroots Revolution: Tamil Nadu’s School Hockey League
The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu was awarded the Best Member Unit of the Year 2024 for its transformative efforts in grassroots hockey, particularly through the Tamil Nadu School Hockey League. This innovative initiative engaged over 5,500 players from 306 schools, solidifying its place as India’s first-ever statewide school hockey league.
Awards for Individual Excellence
The night also celebrated individual brilliance. Harmanpreet Singh was honored with INR 10 lakh for being named the FIH Men’s Player of the Year 2024, while PR Sreejesh received INR 5 lakh for being named FIH Goalkeeper of the Year 2024. Young talents like Deepika and Araijeet Singh Hundal were celebrated as the Upcoming Players of the Year, each receiving INR 10 lakh.
Encouraging the Next Generation
The awards ceremony wasn’t just about recognizing established players but also encouraging emerging talents. The Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21) was presented to Deepika, while Araijeet Singh Hundal won the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21). These awards shine a spotlight on the future of Indian hockey and its potential.
A Night to Remember for Indian Hockey
The 7th Hockey India Annual Awards not only celebrated past legends and present achievers but also reinforced the bright future of the sport in India. As Savita and Harmanpreet Singh expressed their gratitude, the event also served as a reminder of the immense passion and commitment that drives Indian Hockey forward, promising even greater successes in the years to come.
The evening’s essence was captured by a shared dream: to bring home more medals, and perhaps, a World Cup in the near future.
