New Delhi, Nov 10: National hockey federation Monday announced the first-ever 'Hockey India Annual Awards', honouring the top players in the men's and women's categories with a prize money of Rs.25 lakh each.

Hockey India will be identifying and rewarding the most promising and potent players from the current as well as upcoming teams.

Making the announcement, Hockey India secretary general Md. Mushtaque Ahmad said, "It is huge leap that we at Hockey India are preparing for. These awards are not only focused towards the welfare of the players but will ultimately help in boosting the morale of the players and motivating them to perform even better."

"The Hockey India family as an organisation takes pride in announcing the Hockey India Annual Awards for the Players and shall strive to take more such steps for the enhancement of the sport as well the players."

HI has decided to name the individual trophies after HI president Narinder Batra's son Dhruv, who passed away recently.

"The Hockey India Executive Board and the Indian hockey community recognise and acknowledge the major contribution that Narinder Batra in particular and his family have made to Indian hockey."

"Batra was also recently honoured internationally by being awarded the FIH Presidents award at the FIH Congress on 1 November 2014 for his role in the development and growth of hockey in India over the recent years," he said.

IANS