The Indian hockey fraternity gathered in the national capital to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its athletes at the Hockey India Annual Awards 2023. This grand event not only acknowledged individual brilliance but also emphasized the collective spirit that defines Indian hockey. Here’s a closer look at the stars of the evening and the moments that made the awards so special.
Salima Tete: Spearheading Women’s Hockey
- Player of the Year 2023: Salima Tete, the dynamo from Jharkhand, was honored with the Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year in the women’s category, receiving a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh and a trophy. Her dedication and performances have been instrumental in propelling the Indian women’s team on the international stage.
Hardik Singh: Midfield Marvel
- Dual Honors: Alongside Tete, Hardik Singh was awarded the Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year in the men’s category and also clinched the Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year, amassing a total cash prize of Rs 30 lakh. Singh’s prowess and vision have been key to India’s midfield strength.
Defensive and Goalkeeping Brilliance
- Harmanpreet Singh was awarded the Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year, with his defensive skills and drag-flicks being crucial for the team, receiving Rs 5 lakh.
- P.R. Sreejesh, the veteran goalkeeper, was bestowed the Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year, further cementing his legacy with a prize of Rs 5 lakh.
Emerging Stars and Veteran Achievements
- Young Prodigy: Abhishek, showcasing his scoring acumen, was named the Forward of the Year, earning the Dhanraj Pillay Award.
- Upcoming Talents: Deepika Soreng and Araijeet Singh Hundal were recognized as the Upcoming Players of the Year in the women’s and men’s categories, respectively, each receiving a lucrative Rs 10 lakh.
- Lifetime Achievement: Ashok Kumar, a legend in his own right, was honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award, carrying a substantial prize money of Rs 30 lakh.
A Milestone to Remember
The ceremony also highlighted the achievements of players who reached significant international caps, with awards ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, celebrating milestones of 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 international appearances. Stars like Vivek Sagar Prasad, Udita, and Sreejesh were among the recipients, marking their indelible contributions to Indian hockey.
Reflections and Aspirations
The awardees shared heartfelt messages, expressing gratitude and the motivation to achieve greater heights. Salima Tete emphasized the honor of wearing the Indian jersey and the drive to make the nation proud, while Hardik Singh reflected on the responsibility that comes with such accolades, underlining the essence of hockey as a team sport.
A Collective Celebration
The Hockey India Annual Awards 2023 was not just a recognition of individual talent but a celebration of the spirit, dedication, and teamwork that characterizes Indian hockey. With a total prize pool of Rs 7.56 crore, the event was a significant testament to the growth and support for the sport in the country. As these stars shine on the global stage, they carry the hopes and dreams of a nation passionate about its hockey heritage, looking forward to a future filled with more victories and celebrations.
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हॉकी इंडिया वार्षिक पुरस्कार 2023 का आयोजन नई दिल्ली में हुआ, जहां भारतीय हॉकी के सितारों की उपलब्धियों को सम्मानित किया गया। सलीमा टेटे को महिलाओं की श्रेणी में और हार्दिक सिंह को पुरुषों की श्रेणी में बलबीर सिंह सीनियर प्लेयर ऑफ़ द ईयर का खिताब दिया गया, प्रत्येक को 25 लाख रुपये नकद और एक ट्रॉफी के साथ सम्मानित किया गया।
हरमनप्रीत सिंह और पी.आर. श्रीजेश जैसे अन्य खिलाड़ियों को भी उनकी विशेष उपलब्धियों के लिए सम्मानित किया गया। इस आयोजन में खिलाड़ियों की पहचान और उनकी मेहनत को पहचाना गया, जिससे भविष्य में उन्हें और बेहतर प्रदर्शन के लिए प्रेरित किया जा सके। इस समारोह ने भारतीय हॉकी के स्वर्णिम भविष्य की ओर एक नई उम्मीद और दिशा प्रदान की।
Winners of the Hockey India Awards 2023:
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Hockey India Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award | Ashok Kumar |
| Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of The Year (Men) | Hardik Singh |
| Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of The Year (Women) | Salima Tete |
| Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year | PR Sreejesh |
| Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year | Harmanpreet Singh |
| Hockey India Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year | Hardik Singh |
| Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year | Abhishek |
| Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21) | Deepika Soreng |
| Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21) | Araijeet Singh Hundal |
MCQs Based on Hockey India Annual Awards 2023
- What award did Salima Tete win at the Hockey India Annual Awards 2023?
- A) Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year
- B) Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year
- C) Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year
- D) Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year
- Answer: B) Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year
- How much cash prize did Salima Tete receive along with the Player of the Year award?
- A) Rs 5 Lakh
- B) Rs 10 Lakh
- C) Rs 25 Lakh
- D) Rs 30 Lakh
- Answer: C) Rs 25 Lakh
- From which state in India does Salima Tete hail?
- A) Odisha
- B) Punjab
- C) Jharkhand
- D) Haryana
- Answer: C) Jharkhand
- For what achievement was Salima Tete recognized with the Milestone Awards 2023?
- A) Completing 50 international caps
- B) Completing 100 international caps
- C) Completing 150 international caps
- D) Completing 200 international caps
- Answer: B) Completing 100 international caps
