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Hardik Singh and Salima Tete were announced as the winners of Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2023 in the men's and women's categories, respectively, on Sunday. The sixth edition of the Hockey India annual awards took place in New Delhi to felicitate the best performers in 2023.
Hardik, who is also the Indian men’s team vice-captain, is a recipient of the Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year 2022 and 2023 FIH Player of the Year. The midfielder was a part of India’s bronze medal campaign at the Tokyo Olympics and gold-medal campaign at the 2022 Asian Games.
With more than 110 caps, the 25-year-old will be a key player for India at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Interestingly, Hardik also won the Midfielder of the Year award.
After winning the award, Hardik said:
"It is a matter of great pride for me to win the prestigious award. This is truly reflective of the hard work and the commitment that our team displayed over the past year. I am thankful to each and everyone for their support and I will continue to work even harder in the coming year to justify the honour."
Meanwhile, Salima said:
"I wish to thank my teammates, coaches and the support staff for showcasing their faith in me. It is a matter of great pride for me every time I get to wear the Indian jersey and step out on the field to represent the nation. This award will further motivate me to continue to do even better each day so I can continue to make the country proud."
PR Sreejesh received the Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year, while Harmanpreet Singh won the Hockey India Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year. The talented star, Abhishek won the Hockey India Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year.
The former hockey player and the son of Major Dhyan Chand, Ashok Kumar, received the lifetime achievement award. He scored a winning-goal against Pakistan to help India secure a title victory at the 1975 World Cup.
Furthermore, umpires and technical officials were also felicitated at the awards ceremony for their efforts throughout the year.
Hockey India 6th Annual Awards: List of award winners
Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women) - Salima Tete
Hockey India Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Men) - Hardik Singh
Hockey India Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year - P.R. 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 Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award - Ashok Kumar
Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21) - Araijeet Singh Hundal
Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21) - Deepika Soreng
