Hockey India Annual Awards 2023: Hardik Singh, Salima Tete Win Big; Full List Of Winners, Prize Money

New Delhi, Apr 1: The much-anticipated 6th Annual Awards by Hockey India took place in New Delhi on Sunday (March 31), honouring India's finest hockey talents, officials, and legends of the game.

Amidst the presence of renowned figures in Indian Hockey, Shri Ashok Kumar received the esteemed Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award. Hardik Singh and Salima Tete were conferred with the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year 2023 in the Men's and Women's categories, respectively.

This year, the total prize money for the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023 amounted to an unprecedented INR 7.56 crores.

Commencing the awards ceremony, Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh extended a warm welcome to distinguished guests, dignitaries, and hockey stalwarts. "It's a momentous occasion for Hockey India to acknowledge those who have propelled our beloved sport to greater heights. Congratulations to all players, officials, and support staff for their unwavering dedication, which has elevated Indian hockey.

I extend my gratitude to our revered legends for inspiring us as we embark on another crucial year for hockey. Hockey India is committed to expanding the sport, and we're excited to announce the upcoming launch of the Hockey India League," he stated.

The ceremony began with the Milestone Awards 2023, where several players were recognized for their remarkable achievements. Various individual accolades were also presented, acknowledging outstanding performances in tournaments. Notable among them were Savita and Hardik Singh, who received special prizes for their exceptional achievements.

Teams like the Gold Medal Winning Indian Junior Men's Hockey Team of the Men's Junior Asia Cup 2023 and the Indian Men's Hockey Team for their triumphs at the 19th Asian Games received due acknowledgement.

The event also honoured outstanding contributions from entities like Hockey Haryana and individuals such as G Harsha Vardan and Sonia Bathla. PR Sreejesh and Harmanpreet Singh were among those recognised for their exceptional performances in specific positions while rising stars like Deepika Soreng and Araijeet Singh Hundal were acknowledged for their promising potential.

Hardik Singh and Salima Tete's victories in the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year Awards were highlights of the evening, earning them substantial prizes and acclaim. Expressing their gratitude, both athletes emphasised their dedication to furthering their achievements in the sport.

The ceremony concluded with Hockey India honouring the legendary Ashok Kumar with the prestigious Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award, acknowledging his immense contributions to the sport with a significant cash prize and trophy.

Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023 Key Winners & Prize Money

• INR 5,00,000 - Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year - Winner: PR Sreejesh
• INR 5,00,000  - Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year - Winner: Harmanpreet Singh
• INR 5,00,000  - Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year -Winner: Hardik Singh
• INR 5,00,000  - Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year - Winner: Abhishek
• INR 10,00,000 - Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women - Under 21) - Winner: Deepika Soreng
• INR 10,00,000 - Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men - Under 21) - Winner: Araijeet Singh Hundal
• INR 25,00,000 - Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year (Women) -Winner: Salima Tete
• INR 25,00,000 - Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year (Men) - Winner: Hardik Singh
• INR 30,00,000 - Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award - Winner: Ashok Kumar