New Delhi: Indian hockey midfielder Hardik Singh has been nominated for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Indian hockey. The 27-year-old played a key role in helping the Indian team secure bronze medals at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and has been representing India since 2018.
The Selection Committee of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports also recommended 24 athletes for the Arjuna Award, India’s top sports honor, during a meeting held on Wednesday.
Born in Khusropur, Punjab, Hardik comes from a family with a rich hockey legacy. His father, Varinderpreet Singh Rai, was a hockey player, while his grandfather, Pritam Singh Rai, served as a coach who introduced Hardik to the sport. His uncles, Gurmail Singh—a member of India’s 1980 Olympic gold-winning team—and Jugraj Singh, also represented India internationally.
Hardik has played 166 matches for India and was part of the gold medal-winning teams at the 2023 Asian Games and the 2025 Asia Cup in Rajgir. Over the years, six hockey players have received the Khel Ratna Award, including Dhanraj Pillai (1999–2000), Sardar Singh (2017), Rani Rampal (2020), PR Sreejesh (2021), Manpreet Singh (2021), and Harmanpreet Singh (2024).
Other Arjuna Award Recommendations include prominent names from athletics, boxing, chess, shooting, gymnastics, kabaddi, kho-kho, table tennis, wrestling, badminton, rowing, and yoga, reflecting India’s diverse sporting talent.
Hardik Singh’s nomination for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award highlights his consistent performance, leadership, and invaluable contribution to India’s rise in international hockey.
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