14 Indian hockey players honoured with Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award
New Delhi, May 24
The Punjab government on Saturday conferred the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award to 14 Indian hockey players, recognising their contribution to the sport.
Harmanpreet Singh led the list of awardees, which also included Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh and Jarmanpreet Singh, among others.
According to Hockey India's post on X, other players honoured at the event included Shamsher Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Krishan Pathak, Rupinder Pal Singh, Gurjant Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Gurinder Singh.
"India captain Harmanpreet Singh led the line-up of 14 hockey stars who received the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, at a glittering ceremony today in Chandigarh -- with Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh and Jarmanpreet Singh also standing as the proud recipients of the award," Hockey India wrote on X.
Holding the trophy proudly were also Shamsher Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Varun and Krishan Pathak. Among the other hockey stars receiving the honours were Rupinderpal Singh, Gurjant Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Simranjeet Singh, Ramandeep Singh and Gurinder Singh," it added.
Reacting to the honour, captain Harmanpreet Singh said the recognition would serve as a motivation for young athletes.
On being conferred the award by the Punjab government, Harmanpreet told ANI, "It is a matter of pride for me to get conferred with the state award. This will serve as an inspiration for all the youngsters..."
In March, Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh opened up about the experience of meeting cricket legend Virat Kohli. He also expressed delight at receiving an award at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025 for completing 250 international caps.
Harmanpreet, taking to his Instagram on Wednesday, uploaded a picture with Kohli and expressed his respect for the legendary cricketer's dedication and work ethic, emphasising how elite athletes across disciplines share a common approach to excellence.
Speaking to reporters after receiving the award for 250 international caps, Harmanpreet Singh expressed his happiness at meeting Virat Kohli, praising him as humble and enjoying their conversation in Punjabi.
"I am very happy to complete 250 caps. It is a great achievement for me. I am very happy that I got this award," Harmanpreet said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Happy to see so many Punjab players getting recognised! But honestly, where are the women players? The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award should also honour our women's hockey team stars who have done equally well. Let's not forget their struggle. 🤔
Great initiative by Punjab govt. But I wish the Central Govt also did more for hockey at the grassroots. Our cricket stars get crores, but these hockey players struggle for basic equipment. Harmanpreet is a true gem - humble and dedicated. 🏑🌟
This is the kind of recognition that will inspire young kids in Punjab to pick up a hockey stick instead of just a cricket bat. We have so much talent in rural areas. Hope the award comes with some financial support too, not just a trophy. 😊
Beautiful to see Harmanpreet Singh meeting Virat Kohli - two legends from different sports sharing the same passion. This shows how athletes across disciplines respect each other's hard work. Proud moment for Indian sports! 🇮🇳❤️
So many Singhs! 😄 But seriously, this reward is long overdue. These players have given us Olympic medals after decades. The Punjab government should ensure this award happens annually and includes more categories like coaches and groundskeepers. 👍
As someone who grew up in India watching hockey decline, seeing this award ceremony is heartwarming. The current generation of players has revived the sport. But we need more systematic support - better coaches, dietitians and exposure for our players. Good first step, Punjab. 👏