Hockey India announce annual awards for 1st time

In a first for Indian hockey, the national federation on Sunday decided to have the ‘Hockey India Annual Awards’ wherein the top players in the men’s and women’s categories will walk away 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. Speaking on 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.’

List of Awards Dhruv Batra Player of the Year (Men): Rs 25,00,000; Dhruv Batra Player of the Year (Women): Rs 25,00,000; Upcoming Player of the Year (Men U-21): Rs 10,00,000; Upcoming Player of the Year (Women U-21): Rs.10,00,000; Goalkeeper of the Year: Rs.5,00,000; Defender of the Year: Rs.5,00,000; Midfielder of the Year: Rs.5,00,000; Forward of the Year: Rs.5,00,000; Award for Invaluable Contribution (For coaches and support staff): Rs.5,00,000; President Award for Outstanding Achievement: Rs.5,00,000.