New Delhi, March 27
Star midfielder Hardik Singh and striker Navneet Kaur were on Friday named the Hockey India Players of the Year in the men’s and women’s categories respectively at a ceremony held in the national capital.
The duo received the prestigious Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of the Year 2025, which carries a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh each, recognising their outstanding performances over the past year.
Former India captain Zafar Iqbal was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award, along with a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh, for his immense contribution to Indian hockey.
Among other award winners, goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam received the Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year, while Sanjay bagged the Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year. The Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year was also awarded to Sanjay, and Sukhjeet Singh was named Forward of the Year.
In the junior categories, Sakshi Rana and Prince Deep Singh were named Upcoming Players of the Year in the women’s and men’s (U-21) categories respectively.
The ceremony also recognised several individual and team achievements, including awards for international performances, tournament accolades, and career milestones. Notably, Manpreet Singh was honoured for completing 400 international caps, while Harmanpreet Singh and others were recognised for their milestones.
Teams were also felicitated, including the Asia Cup gold medal-winning Indian men’s team and the junior men’s team that secured a bronze medal at the World Cup.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who presented the awards, praised Indian hockey’s rich legacy and reiterated the country’s ambitions to host major global sporting events, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics.
