In anticipation of the eighth edition of the Hockey India Annual Awards, set to take place in New Delhi on March 27, young hockey players Anmol Ekka and Sakshi Rana expressed their pride and joy over their nominations for the under-21 accolades. Anmol Ekka is nominated for the Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025 (Men Under 21), while Sakshi Rana is in the running for the Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year 2025 (Women Under 21). These nominations aim to recognize their significant contributions to Indian hockey over the past year.

Anmol Ekka’s Journey

Anmol Ekka shared his thoughts on his nomination, noting the honor of being selected among a distinguished list of previous award winners. The 20-year-old expressed that seeing his name as a nominee was a wonderful surprise and mentioned that he has yet to inform his family about this achievement, hoping to share good news with them if he wins. Ekka particularly stood out during the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup held in Tamil Nadu in 2025, where he scored four goals, all from penalty corners. His critical performance in the third-place match against Argentina secured a bronze medal for India and earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ title.

Reflections from the Junior World Cup

Discussing his experience at the Junior World Cup, Ekka remarked on the valuable exposure he gained, which he views as recognition for his hard work over the last couple of years. He considers his nomination as just the start of his journey and is dedicated to continuous improvement. Ekka stated that he aims to refine various aspects of his game, including penalty corners. He reaffirmed his commitment to demonstrating consistent performance in the junior team, which he believes will lead to a senior team call-up in the future.

Sakshi Rana’s Emerging Talent

Sakshi Rana is also gaining recognition for her performances on the hockey field. The 18-year-old made her senior team debut for India in February and later served as Vice Captain for the junior team at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in Santiago last December. In that tournament, she scored three goals, showcasing her speed and ability as a forward. To date, she has scored two goals in twelve appearances on the senior team and played a crucial role in India’s qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup to be hosted in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2026.

Preparing for Future Challenges

Reflecting on her past achievements, Rana emphasized that hard work has been integral to her success. She also expressed her delight at her nomination for the Asunta Lakra Award, noting that it serves as recognition of her efforts. Rana mentioned that she has not yet conveyed the nomination news to her family due to her travel commitments but hopes to share a victory with them soon. Looking ahead to the FIH Hockey World Cup, she highlighted the importance of team preparation and focus on their training structure, emphasizing her role as a centre half and the need to manage tempo effectively.

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