The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, 10th March 2025: Hockey India has officially unveiled the nominees for the 7th edition of the prestigious Hockey India Annual Awards 2024, set to take place on 15 March in New Delhi. With a record-breaking prize pool of approximately INR 12 crores, this year’s event is poised to be the most spectacular yet, recognizing and honoring the best performances in Indian hockey throughout the 2024 season.
A total of 32 nominees across eight categories have been shortlisted for this grand celebration of excellence. These individuals, who have made remarkable contributions to the sport over the past year, will be acknowledged and awarded for their dedication and achievements.
One of the most anticipated awards of the evening is the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year, which will be presented to the best male and female hockey players of the season. Additionally, young emerging talents will be recognized 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).
Several other key positions in the game will also be honored, including:
The awards night will also feature special recognition categories, such as the Hockey India President Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Hockey India Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution. Officials will also be recognized through awards like Hockey India President Award for Umpire/Umpire Manager of the Year, Hockey India President Award for Technical Official of the Year, and the Best Member Unit Award.
This year’s ceremony holds extra significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of India’s historic 1975 Men’s Hockey World Cup victory, the country’s only World Cup triumph to date. Additionally, 2025 celebrates 100 years of Indian hockey, commemorating India’s affiliation with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on 7 November 1925.
Adding to the grandeur, the event will felicitate India’s Olympic bronze medal-winning team, along with the Men’s and Women’s teams that secured the Asian Champions Trophy in 2024. The victorious Junior Asia Cup-winning teams will also be honored.
Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Kumar Tirkey expressed his excitement, stating, “The Hockey India 7th Annual Awards 2024 is a tribute to the outstanding talent we have in Indian hockey. These nominations showcase the dedication and perseverance of our players, who continue to elevate the sport. Beyond individual achievements, this event celebrates the collective success of Indian hockey in 2024.”
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “These awards recognize the hard work and commitment of players, coaches, and officials who have contributed to the sport’s remarkable growth. This year’s ceremony will be a memorable occasion, inspiring future generations to strive for excellence.”
The Hockey India Annual Awards 2024 promises to be a night of honor, pride, and inspiration, bringing the Indian hockey fraternity together to celebrate its achievements.
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