January 3, 2025: Hockey India expressed immense pride and joy on Thursday as it congratulated Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh for being conferred with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor. Harmanpreet, one of the world’s premier drag-flickers, played a pivotal role in leading the Indian men’s team to a historic bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This victory marked a significant achievement for Indian hockey as it ended a 52-year wait for an Olympic medal and marked the first time India won back-to-back Olympic medals since the 1972 Munich Games.
Hockey India also extended its congratulations to the Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Salima Tete, who was awarded the Arjuna Award, along with key players from the men’s team, including Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Sanjay, all of whom were integral to the Olympic bronze medal achievement in Paris.
The Hon’ble President of India will formally present these prestigious awards on January 17 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
In a statement, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey expressed his delight and pride in the achievements of these players. He said, “We are truly delighted with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ decision to award Harmanpreet Singh the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award and also name Salima, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Jarmanpreet Singh, and Sanjay for the Arjuna award. I congratulate the winners and commend them for all the hard work and sacrifices made to bring laurels to the nation. We are very proud of them and this recognition will also encourage many youngsters to pursue hockey as a career.”
Bhola Nath Singh, the Secretary General of Hockey India, also celebrated the announcement, calling it a “momentous occasion” for the sport. He highlighted the year’s historical significance, with the Indian Men’s Hockey Team making a mark in Paris, and particularly praised Salima Tete, a young woman from Jharkhand’s tribal belt, for receiving the Arjuna Award. He added, “It is a proud moment for us. I congratulate the winners.” Singh’s comments also emphasized the ongoing celebration of hockey, coinciding with the Hockey India League.
The recognition of these exceptional players reflects the growing prominence and success of Indian hockey on the global stage, particularly with the historic performances at the Paris Olympics. These awards not only honor individual excellence but also serve as inspiration for the future of the sport, motivating young players to dream big and pursue careers in hockey.
