New Delhi: Rising hockey stars Deepika and Araijeet Singh Hundal have expressed their delight after being nominated for the prestigious Hockey India (HI) 7th Annual Awards 2024.
The two young players, who have made a significant impact in their respective teams, have been shortlisted for the Hockey India Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women – Under 21) and Hockey India Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men – Under 21) respectively.
Deepika, a key contributor to the Indian women’s team’s success in 2024-25, was also part of the gold medal-winning squads at the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023 and the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024.
Deepika also finished as the third-highest goalscorer in women’s hockey in 2024 with 17 goals under her belt from 26 games, behind only Yibbi Jansen (29 goals) of the Netherlands and Ambre Ballenghien (19 goals) of Belgium. She also netted three goals during the just-concluded India leg of FIH Hockey Pro League.
Araijeet, who won this award last year as well, went on to feature for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team and played a key role in their gold medal-winning campaign at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy China 2024. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “Last year when I received the award I was really pleased, and it motivated me to work harder and push myself.” (IANS)
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