Deepika, Araijeet Singh nominated for Hockey India 7th Annual Awards

Deepika and Araijeet have been nominated for Player of the Year (Men & Women – Under 21) at the upcoming Hockey India 7th Annual Awards.

Rising hockey stars Deepika and Araijeet Singh Hundal have expressed their delight after being nominated for the prestigious Hockey India 7th Annual Awards 2024. The two young players, who have made a significant impact in their respective teams, have been shortlisted for the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21) and the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21), respectively.

Deepika, a key contributor to the Indian women’s team’s success in 2024-25, was also part of the gold medal-winning squads at the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 and the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024.

Also Read: Hockey India announces nominees for 7th Annual Awards

Deepika also finished as the third-highest goal scorer in women’s hockey in 2024 with 17 goals in 26 matches, behind only Yibbi Jansen (29 goals) of the Netherlands and Ambre Ballenghien (19 goals) of Belgium. She also finished the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 and the Jr Women’s Asia Cup as the top scorer with 11 and 12 goals under her name, respectively.

She also netted three goals during the just-concluded India leg of the Women’s FIH Pro League 2024-25. Interestingly, Deepika’s all three goals (first against England, which India won 3-2; second against Germany, which India won 1-0; and third against the mighty Dutch, which India won in a shootout) came in matches that India won.

Also Read: Angad Bir Singh reflects on his dream debut for India in FIH Pro League 2024-25

Reflecting on the honour of being nominated, she said, “Being nominated for this award is a proud moment for me. Winning gold medals in consecutive Asian Champions Trophy tournaments has been a special experience, and this nomination is another encouragement to keep pushing myself and improving my game.”

She added, “Awards like these motivate young players to stay focused and work harder. I am happy that my performances have been recognised, and I am grateful for the support of my teammates and coaches.”

Araijit, who won the award last year, played for the Indian men’s hockey team and played a key role in their gold medal-winning campaign at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy China 2024. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Last year when I received the award, I was pleased, and it motivated me to work harder and push myself. It also gave me the confidence that I can become a part of the senior team and do well for India.”

He further added, “I am happy to be nominated again. This was an important year for me, with the Asian Champions Trophy being the highlight. It’s inspiring for young players, and no matter who wins, I’m glad my efforts have been recognised.”

Also Read: Top 15 players with most goals in all-time men’s hockey history

The Hockey India 7th Annual Awards 2024, scheduled to take place on 15th March in New Delhi, will celebrate outstanding performances from the 2024 season, featuring a record prize pool of approximately INR 12 crores. The event will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of India’s historic 1975 World Cup victory and mark 100 years of Indian hockey’s affiliation with the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

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

Also Read: Arshdeep Singh talks about his dream debut for India in FIH Pro League 2024-25

 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

Also Read: India’s teen hockey sensation Rutuja Dadaso opens up on her India call-up, debut experience & more

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

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