Hockey India Annual: Sardar Balbir Singh got Major Dhyan Chand Award

A landmark occasion was witnessed, as Hockey India today conferred the first ever Annual Awards to recognise the dedication and hard work of hockey players, coaches and administrators on the field to build the sport on the national and international arena. Awards of over Rs.2.80 Crore were presented in a glittering ceremony at New Delhi. The Chief Guest for the occasion was the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal.

Hockey India conferred the awards in the categories of Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award to Balbir Singh Sr. with a cash prize of Rs 30,00,000, the Dhruv Batra Award for Player of the Year (Men and Women) awarded to Birendra Lakra and Vandana Katariya taking home a cash award of Rs 25,00,000 each.

Speaking on the initiative by Hockey India Honourable Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal said "I would like to appreciate this initiative by Hockey India and feel proud of them. Would like to wish the teams and the players all the best and hope they win more accolades."

Speaking post the awards Balbir Singh Sr. said “I share the entire credit of the medals and trophies with my team mates and coaches. Dada Dhyan Chand was my role model. I attained inspiration from him and continue to do so till date. I am grateful for getting acknowledged so humbly. It is an honour to share this award today with all the sportsmen”.

An excited PR Sreejesh talking on being chosen for the Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year said "It is an honour that I received the award from Baljit Singh and I have always looked upto him. I am very happy and I think I deserved it:.