The stage is set for the highly anticipated 6th edition of the Hockey India (HI) Annual Awards, set to take place on Sunday, in New Delhi. This year's awards ceremony boasts an unprecedented total prize pool of INR 7.56 crores. A total of 32 nominations spanning eight categories have clinched a spot on the shortlist for these annual accolades. These nominees will be lauded for their remarkable contributions to Indian hockey throughout the 2023 calendar year. Notably, the pinnacle of the event, the HI Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring an individual's extraordinary contributions to the sport over the years.

The prestigious awards ceremony will be graced by Hockey Legends including Olympians Raghbir Lal, A.S. Bakshi, Harbinder Singh, Ashok Diwan, Zafar Iqbal, Ajit Pal Singh, Romeo James, Jagbir Singh, M.P. Singh, and Vineet Kumar. Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey, Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh, and Treasurer Sekar J Manoharan will be present, along with Hockey India Executive Board Members and other notable attendees. 

Among the nominees is Indian forward Abhishek, who enjoyed a tremendous year making a mark with his stellar performances. For his consistent display, Abhishek has been nominated in two categories – HI Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year 2023 (Men) and HI Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of The Year 2023 (Men).

Speaking on his dual nominations, Abhishek said, "It is a matter of great honour for me to be nominated this year in two categories. I wish to thank the Hockey India support staff, our coaches and my teammates who constantly supported me and always advised me whenever I was in need. Because of their constant backing, I gained confidence and was able to perform freely."

Abhishek, who scored three goals in six games at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela, continued his form at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where he scored 9 goals in 7 games, helping his side to a Gold medal win. He was also named the Player of the Match after India's thrilling 2 - 2 (8 - 7 SO) win over Spain at the FIH Men's Hockey Pro League 2023/24 last month in Rourkela.

On the other hand Indian forward Deepika Kumari has emerged as one of the team’s potent weapons in attack over the last year. The Indian Women’s Hockey Team penalty corner specialist was also the highest goal scorer during the recently concluded 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship with 15 goals to her credit and played a key role by scoring the opening goal (26’) in the first half in Hockey Haryana prevailing over Hockey Maharashtra 1-1 (3-0 SO) in the final. Besides this, for her superlative performances, the 20-year-old has also been nominated for the prestigious Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women 2023).

Expressing her excitement about being nominated for the award, Deepika said, “To be honest, I was not expecting to be nominated for this award. But I feel honoured that I have been irrespective of whether I win the award or not. When I started as a forward in the Youth Olympic Qualifiers in March 2018, I was not performing well, but having played in the Junior Asia Cup and being part of the title-winning team in June 2023, and several tours with the Senior Women’s team, I kept improving my performance daily.”

Hockey India President Padma Shri, Dr. Dilip Kumar Tirkey on the eve of the Hockey India Annual Awards, said,  "As we unveil the nominations for the 6th edition of the Hockey India Annual Awards, we are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our hockey stars who have shone brightly throughout the 2023 season. Selecting the nominees proved to be a challenging task, given the outstanding performances showcased by both the men's and women's teams in recent times. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees and look forward to the event filled with pride, camaraderie, and celebration of the sport we all hold dear."

The Nominees for the Hockey India (HI) Annual Awards 2023 are:

HI Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year: Mohith HS, P.R. Sreejesh, Savita Punia and Krishan Bahadur Pathak

HI Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year: Deep Grace Ekka, Amit Rohidas, Harmanpreet Singh and Udita

HI Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year: Salima Tete, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh and Navneet Kaur

HI Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year: Vandana Katariya, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Mandeep Singh

HI Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21): Vaishnavi Viththal Phalke, Deepika Kumari, Deepika Soreng and Sunelita Toppo

HI Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21): Uttam Singh, Amir Ali, Vishnukant Singh and Araijeet Singh Hundal

HI Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Women): Savita Punia, Salima Tete, Vandana Katariya and Navneet Kaur

HI Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Men): P.R. Sreejesh, Abhishek, Hardik Singh and Harmanpreet Singh