Hockey India Annual Awards 2025: Abhishek, Navneet Kaur nominated for Player of the Year awards

Harmanpreet Singh among nominees for Best Defender award.

Hockey India on Monday revealed the nominees for the 8th Hockey India Annual Awards 2025 which will be held on 27 March 2026 in New Delhi. The awards will recognise outstanding performances and contributions to Indian hockey during the 2025 season. 

Among the most prestigious honours of the evening will be the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year, presented to the top male and female players.

The awards will also highlight emerging talent through the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21) and the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21). 

Excellence across playing positions will be recognised through the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year, the Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year, the Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year, and the Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year. 

A total of 32 nominees across these eight categories have made the final shortlist. 

It's time for the 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐲! 🌟The 8th Hockey India Annual Awards 2025 will honour the heroes of the game and celebrate a year of remarkable achievements.🗓️: March 27🕰️: 11:30 AM onwards #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame… pic.twitter.com/yLKnjN51Oj

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) March 23, 2026

In addition to these categories, the ceremony will include special recognitions 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 acknowledged through the Hockey India President Award for Umpire/Umpire Manager of the Year, the Hockey India President Award for Technical Official of the Year, and the Best Member Unit Award. 

A ceremony will also honour the gold medal-winning Indian men’s hockey team from the Asia Cup Rajgir, Bihar 2025 and the bronze medal-winning Indian junior men’s hockey team from the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025.

Meanwhile, the Member Unit’s will also be recognised for their success across the 15th Hockey India National Championships.

Hockey India President Dr. Dilip Tirkey said, “As we enter a crucial year for Indian hockey, it’s important that we recognise the standout performers and contributions made in the last year.

“The Hockey India Annual Awards recognise the dedication and achievements of players and officials who continue to elevate the standard of Indian hockey. We look forward to celebrating their efforts and the progress Indian hockey has made.” 

Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh added, “These awards acknowledge the collective efforts of everyone involved in the sport, including players, coaches, officials and member units. Their commitment has played a vital role in strengthening the hockey ecosystem in India. We are looking forward to come together and celebrate the accomplishments of our hockey fraternity.” 

Nominees for 8th Hockey India Annual Awards 2025

Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year 2025 

1. Prince Deep Singh  
2. Krishan Bahadur Pathak  
3. Bichu Devi Kharibam  
4. Suraj Karkera  

Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year 2025 

1. Sanjay  
2. Amit Rohidas  
3. Jugraj Singh  
4. Harmanpreet Singh  

Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year 2025 

1. Hardik Singh  
2. Sumit  
3. Raj Kumar Pal  
4. Nilakanta Sharma  

Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year 2025 

1. Sukhjeet Singh  
2. Abhishek  
3. Navneet Kaur  
4. Shilanand Lakra  

Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025 (Women – Under 21) 

1. Sakshi Rana  
2. Jyoti Singh  
3. Sunelita Toppo  
4. Kanika Siwach  

Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025 (Men – Under 21) 

1. Prince Deep Singh  
2. Manmeet Singh  
3. Anmol Ekka  
4. Arshdeep Singh  

Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2025 (Women) 

1. Navneet Kaur  
2. Salima Tete  
3. Lalremsiami  
4. Savita  

Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2025 (Men) 

1. Hardik Singh  
2. Sukhjeet Singh  
3. Sanjay  
4. Abhishek

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