NEW DELHI: India captain Harmanpreet Singh and senior goalkeeper Savita Punia clinched the Hockey India Balbir Singh Senior Player of the Year award in the men's and women's categories, respectively, on Saturday. Harmanpreet spearheaded India to their second consecutive bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He was also part of the team that secured bronze at the Tokyo Games.
Savita played a crucial role in the Indian team that narrowly missed out on a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics, losing the third-place match to Great Britain.
Adding to her achievements, Savita also bagged the Hockey India Baljit Singh Goalkeeper of the Year award for 2024.
"I am really honoured to receive the awards but it wouldn't have been possible without my team-mates. I am really grateful for the recognition and it will continue to motivate me towards my game," Savita said in a video message.
This marked the third time Savita secured the prestigious award.
"This award means a lot, it is a motivation for youngsters to work hard towards their goals and achieve success in life. It's really a special day for all of us," Harmanpreet said.
The seventh edition of the Hockey India Annual Awards was organized to celebrate 100 years of Indian hockey and to commemorate the country's historic World Cup triumph in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur.
The 1975 Men's World Cup-winning squad was honoured with the Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement award.
Abhishek was named Forward of the Year, while Hardik Singh took home the Midfielder of the Year award. The Best Defender of the Year title was awarded to Amit Rohidas.
In the Under-21 category, Araijeet Singh Hundal claimed the Jugraj Singh Player of the Year (Men's), while Deepika earned the Player of the Year award in the women's category.
The grand event witnessed the presence of former sports minister Kiren Rijiju, Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, HI secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, among others.
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