As Indian hockey prepares to celebrate its finest performers at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025, two of the country’s brightest young prospects Anmol Ekka and Sakshi Rana have emerged in focus following their nominations in the Under-21 categories.
The duo, recognised for their standout contributions over the past year, represent the next wave of Indian hockey talent steadily transitioning from promise to performance.
Anmol Ekka has been nominated for the Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21), while Sakshi Rana finds herself in contention for the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21). Both nominations underline not just individual achievements, but also the depth and evolution of India’s youth hockey ecosystem.
Anmol Ekka’s rise through set-piece excellence
For 20-year-old Anmol Ekka, the nomination marks a significant milestone in a journey built on discipline and steady improvement. A specialist in penalty corners, Ekka played a crucial role in India’s campaign at the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025, where he scored four goals all from set-pieces.
His most defining moment came in the bronze medal match against Argentina, where his goal proved decisive in securing a podium finish for India. The performance not only earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award but also cemented his reputation as a dependable option in high-pressure situations.
Reflecting on his nomination, Ekka admitted that the recognition came as a surprise. “It’s a great feeling to be nominated for this award. Some distinguished names have won it in the past, so to see my name among the nominees is special,” he said.
Despite the recognition, Ekka remains grounded and focused on improvement. He acknowledges that while his penalty corner execution has been a strength, there is still room for refinement. His immediate goal is consistency at the junior level, with a long-term ambition of breaking into the senior national team.
“There are areas of my game I want to improve, even in penalty corners. If I can consistently perform, I’m confident I can earn a senior call-up,” he noted.
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While Ekka’s journey has been defined by steady growth, Sakshi Rana’s rise has been marked by rapid progression across levels. At just 18, she has already made her senior debut and featured prominently in both junior and senior setups.
Rana served as vice-captain of the Indian team at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago, where she scored three goals and showcased her attacking instincts. Her ability to combine pace with positioning has made her a key figure in India’s forward line.
At the senior level, she has already netted two goals in 12 appearances and played an important role in India’s qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. Her performances reflect a player comfortable handling the transition from junior to senior international hockey often a challenging phase for young athletes.
Speaking about her nomination, Rana highlighted the emotional value of recognition. “It felt like the hard work I’ve been putting in is not going unnoticed,” she said.
Like Ekka, Rana remains focused on continuous development. Her current emphasis lies in refining her role as a centre-half, particularly in decision-making understanding when to accelerate play and when to control tempo.
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The nominations of Ekka and Rana reflect a broader trend within Indian hockey—the strengthening of its youth pipeline. Over the past few years, India has invested significantly in junior development, with structured exposure through international tournaments and domestic competitions.
Events like the Junior World Cups have provided players with the opportunity to experience high-intensity competition early in their careers. For both Ekka and Rana, these platforms have been instrumental in shaping their growth.
Their performances also highlight the increasing readiness of young players to step into senior roles, bridging the gap between potential and performance. While the awards ceremony celebrates past achievements, both players are already focused on the road ahead. For Ekka, the immediate goal is to continue delivering consistent performances at the junior level while pushing for a senior breakthrough.
For Rana, attention has already shifted to the upcoming FIH Hockey World Cup 2026. With qualification secured, the focus is now on preparation, tactical refinement, and team cohesion.
“The focus now is on improving structure and working on small details in training. That’s where matches are decided,” Rana explained.
Recognition as motivation
Awards and nominations often serve as validation, but for athletes at this stage of their careers, they also act as motivation. Both Ekka and Rana view this recognition not as an endpoint, but as a stepping stone. Their responses reflect a shared mindset gratitude for the acknowledgement, but an even stronger emphasis on the work ahead.
As the Hockey India Annual Awards approach, Anmol Ekka and Sakshi Rana stand as representatives of a new generation shaping the future of Indian hockey. Their journeys different in pace but similar in intent highlight the depth of talent emerging within the system.
Whether or not they take home the awards, their impact is already evident. And if their current trajectory continues, these nominations may well be just the beginning of much bigger milestones to come.
