Hockey India Congratulates Rani, Ajit Singh, Romesh Pathania, Jude Felix, Akashdeep Singh and Deepika for Being Conferred with National Awards

New Delhi: Hockey India on Friday congratulated the Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Rani for being conferred with the highest sporting honour of India, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The National Governing Body for Hockey in India also congratulated Ajit Singh for being awarded the Dhyan Chand Award, Romesh Pathania for being awarded the Dronacharya Award (Life-Time achievement), and Jude Felix with the Dronacharya Award as recognition for their contributions to Indian hockey over the years. Hockey India also congratulated Deepika and Akashdeep Singh for being conferred with the Arjuna Award for their contribution for the nation at the international stage.

“It is a really proud moment for me and especially for my family as well. The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is one of the most prestigious awards that a sportsperson can receive, and I owe this to my Coaches, teammates, friends and family for their constant support since the very beginning. It is an amazing feeling when your hard work is rewarded, and I believe this Award will serve as a great motivation for me and players like me to keep striving for bigger feats and make the country proud. I also would like to congratulate all the other award winners too,” stated 25-year-old Rani, who is currently based out of the SAI Centre in Bengaluru.

An elated Akashdeep Singh said, “It is one of the most pleasing moments for me in my career to have been conferred with the Arjuna Award. I would like to thank the jury, and all my Coaches, teammates, friends and family who have been a part of my hockey journey so far. I believe patience and hard-work always earn you rewards, and I am very thankful to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for recognising my hard-work and I would also like to thank Hockey India for always being a pillar of support in my career.”

Congratulating the award winners, Officiating President, Hockey India, Gyanendro Ningombam said, “On behalf of Hockey India, I would like to congratulate the Indian Women’s Hockey Team Captain Rani for being conferred with the highest sporting recognition of the country, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. Rani has inspired several youngsters to take up the sport of hockey in India through her fantastic performances throughout her career. I would also like to congratulate Akashdeep Singh and Deepika for being conferred with the Arjuna Award for their contribution to the sport. I also congratulate Romesh Pathania, Jude Felix and Ajit Singh for their outstanding contribution to Indian hockey over the years, which has been duly recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.”