Indian hockey celebrated its finest performers and contributors at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025, with Navneet Kaur and Hardik Singh emerging as the standout names of the evening, while former captain Zafar Iqbal was conferred with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award.
Held in the national capital, the ceremony brought together the past and present of Indian hockey in a fitting tribute to excellence, consistency, and legacy. The event was attended by key dignitaries including Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State Raksha Khadse, alongside several Olympians and stalwarts of the sport.
At the centre of the celebrations were Navneet Kaur and Hardik Singh, who were named the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award winners for Player of the Year 2025 in the women’s and men’s categories respectively. Both players received a cash award of INR 20 lakh, recognising their exceptional performances over the past year.
Navneet Kaur’s rise over the last year has been marked by consistency and impact in key tournaments. She played a crucial role in India’s strong showing at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, where she was named Player of the Tournament. Her ability to deliver in high-pressure matches, combined with her attacking instincts, has made her one of the most reliable forwards in the Indian setup.
“It’s a great honour for me to receive this award,” Navneet said after the ceremony. “I want to thank my teammates for their constant belief in me. This recognition means even more after our World Cup Qualifiers success, and I hope we can achieve more together.”
Hardik Singh, meanwhile, continued his dominance in midfield, winning his third Player of the Year award. A pivotal figure in India’s gold medal-winning campaign at the Hero Asia Cup 2025, Hardik’s ability to control tempo, recover possession, and contribute offensively has established him as one of the best midfielders in Asia.
“Receiving this award is the highest honour for any Indian hockey player,” Hardik said. “This recognition is a result of the support from my family, teammates, and coaches. It motivates me to keep striving for success with the team.”
While the present generation was celebrated, the evening also paid tribute to the legends who laid the foundation of Indian hockey. Zafar Iqbal, a key member of India’s 1980 Olympic gold medal-winning team, was honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award, carrying a cash prize of INR 25 lakh.
Zafar Iqbal’s contribution to Indian hockey extends beyond his playing days, having also served as a mentor and administrator. Reflecting on the honour, he said, “I am thankful to Hockey India for recognising me with such a prestigious award. I share this moment with many greats of the game, and I wish the current Indian team continued success.”
The awards also recognised excellence across specific positions. Bichu Devi Kharibam was named Goalkeeper of the Year, while Sanjay received the Defender of the Year award. Sumit was honoured as Midfielder of the Year, and Sukhjeet Singh was awarded Forward of the Year. Each of these winners received INR 5 lakh, highlighting their contributions to India’s performances across competitions.
Among the emerging stars, Prince Deep Singh and Sakshi Rana were recognised as the Upcoming Players of the Year in the men’s and women’s under-21 categories respectively. Both players have shown significant promise at the junior level and are seen as future mainstays in the senior national teams.
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The ceremony also celebrated notable individual achievements. Players like Abhishek, Deepika, Udita, and Ishika were recognised for standout performances in international tournaments, while Raghu Prasad RV was honoured for being named the FIH Umpire of the Year.
In addition to individual accolades, Hockey India acknowledged the contributions of its Member Units. Seven state units, including Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Haryana, and Hockey Punjab, were rewarded for their performances at the National Championships, reflecting the importance of grassroots development in sustaining the sport’s growth.
The success of Indian teams over the past year was also recognised through financial incentives. The men’s team, which clinched gold at the Asia Cup 2025, and the junior men’s team, which secured bronze at the Junior World Cup, were felicitated for their achievements. Furthermore, both the men’s and women’s senior teams received performance-based incentives for international victories, underlining Hockey India’s commitment to rewarding excellence.
Milestone achievements were another highlight of the evening. Senior players such as Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Navneet Kaur were honoured for completing significant international caps, reflecting their longevity and contribution to Indian hockey.
Speaking at the event, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised the role of sports in nation-building and reiterated India’s ambitions of hosting major global events. Raksha Khadse echoed similar sentiments, highlighting hockey’s legacy and its importance in India’s sporting ecosystem.
The Hockey India Annual Awards 2025 not only celebrated achievements but also reinforced the pathway for future success. With a strong mix of experienced leaders and emerging talent being recognised, Indian hockey appears well-positioned to build on its recent progress and aim for greater heights on the global stage.
