India’s leading hockey talents, including midfielder Hardik Singh and forwards Sukhjeet Singh and Sanjay, headline the nominations for the prestigious Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Player of the Year Award 2025. Defender Abhishek also joins the elite shortlist, underlining a strong pool of contenders in the men’s category.

In the women’s section, Salima Tete, Navneet Kaur, Lalremsiami, and Savita Punia have been nominated for the top honour, reflecting consistent performances and leadership at the highest level over the past year.

The much-anticipated Hockey India Awards ceremony is set to take place on Friday, where 32 nominees across eight categories will be recognised for their contributions to the sport. Alongside senior accolades, the event will also highlight rising stars through the Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Under-21 men) and the Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Under-21 women).

In the goalkeeper category, contenders for the Baljit Singh Award include Prince Deep Singh, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Bichu Devi Kharibam, and Suraj Karkera. The race for the Pargat Singh Defender of the Year Award features Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, and Harmanpreet Singh.

For midfield excellence, the Ajit Pal Singh Award shortlist comprises Hardik Singh, Sumit, Raj Kumar Pal, and Nilakanta Sharma. Meanwhile, attacking prowess will be recognised through the Dhanraj Pillay Forward of the Year Award, with nominees Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Navneet Kaur, and Shilanand Lakra.

Emerging players will also take centre stage. The Under-21 women’s category includes Sakshi Rana, Jyoti Singh, Sunelita Toppo, and Kanika Siwach, while the men’s Under-21 nominees are Prince Deep Singh, Manmeet Singh, Anmol Ekka, and Arshdeep Singh.

In addition to player awards, Hockey India will confer special honours such as the President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Jaman Lal Sharma Award for Invaluable Contribution. Officials will also be recognised in categories including Umpire/Umpire Manager of the Year, Technical Official of the Year, and Best Member Unit.

The ceremony will further celebrate team achievements, with the Indian men’s team that won gold at the Asia Cup and the junior men’s side that secured bronze at the World Cup set to be felicitated.

Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey emphasized the importance of the occasion, stating, “As we enter a crucial year for Indian hockey, it is important to recognise the standout performers and contributions made over the past year. The Hockey India Annual Awards celebrate the dedication and achievements of players and officials who continue to elevate the standard of Indian hockey. We look forward to acknowledging their efforts and the progress made.”