Hockey stars Dharamvir, Manpreet, Savita recommended for Arjuna
New Delhi, May 3: Experienced midfielder Dharamvir Singh, Manpreet Singh and Indian womens team goalkeeper Savita have been recommended for the Arjuna Award while Sanggai Ibemhal Chanu and former mens captain Bharat Chetri have been recommended for the Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement, Hockey India announced on Thursday
Commenting on the recommendations, Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad, Secretary General of Hockey India, said: "We are happy to endorse these hockey players who have immensely contributed to Indian hockey.
"They have proven their worth with significant performances that has elevated the Indian team to new heights. They have donned the India colours with pride and have given it their all to help the team win several accolades within the country and internationally.
"We at Hockey India are proud of their achievements and are happy to recommend their names for the National awards," he added.
Dharamvir Singh from Punjab formed the midfield in the Indian team and was part of the Gold Medal feat at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Manpreet Singh captained the Indian squad in the absence of P.R. Sreejesh who was injured last year.
Manpreet was part of the Asia Cup success where India beat Malaysia to lift the title. He also led the Indian Team to a bronze medal at the Odisha Men's Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017.
Indian women goalkeeper Savita has been a trusted guard in the Indian post over the past few years.
The 27-year-old from Haryana was instrumental in India's historic Asia Cup win last year where she made a stunning save in the penalty shootout that helped India beat higher ranked China in the Final.
Her performance was critical in helping India qualify for the World Cup as Continental Champions after a gap of 13 years.
Former India player Sanggai Ibemhal Chanu, recommended for the Lifetime Achievement Award, was part of the women's team that won the 2002 Commonwealth Games Gold in Manchester followed by a Silver Medal in 2006 in Melbourne.
She also significantly contributed to the team's success at the 2014 Asia Cup here where the team lifted the trophy in front of a home crowd.
Retired senior hockey coach B.S. Chauhan, recommended for the Dronacharya Award, has long served hockey as coach at the Sports Authority of India, Bengaluru.
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Araijeet's four goals hand India 5th title in men's junior Asia Cup
Muscat, Dec 4: Araijeet Singh Hundal slammed four goals as defending champions India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 in the summit clash to win a hat-trick of titles in the men's junior Asia Cup here on Wednesday.
This was India's fifth title in the continental tournament, having previously won the crown in 2004, 2008, 2015 and 2023.
The tournament was not held in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Araijeet converted three penalty corners in the fourth, 18th and 54th minutes besides finding the net from a field effort in the 47th minute. Dilraj Singh (19th) was the other goal getter for India.
For Pakistan, Sufyan Khan (30th, 39th) converted two penalty corners, while Hannan Shahid scored from field play in the third minute.
Japan defeated Malaysia 2-1 to claim the third spot earlier in the day.
There was hardly anything to differentiate between the two sides as both India and Pakistan fought hard for ball possession in the first quarter.
The highlight of the first quarter was ariel passes employed by both the teams.
But Pakistan had the first laugh, striking as early as the third minute through a field goal from Shahid.
India didn't sit back and secured their first penalty corner seconds later, and Araijeet stepped up to draw level with a powerful drag-flick to the right of Pakistan goalkeeper.
India upped their game in the second quarter and secured their second penalty corner in the 18th minute and Araijeet struck again with another powerful flick.
A minute later, a fine field goal by Dilraj extended India's lead to 3-1.
Pakistan, however, reduced the margin in the 30th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Sufyan.
Pakistan were the better side on display after the change of ends and they drew level in the 39th minute through another penalty corner conversion by Sufyan.
India secured their third penalty corner in the 47th minute, but Araijeet's effort was saved by Pakistan goalkeeper Muhammad Janjua.
Araijeet, however, was not to be denied his hat-trick as he found the net from a field effort seconds later to hand India the lead again.
India pressed hard on the Pakistan citadel in the final 10 minutes and secured a few more penalty corners and Araijeet found the net again from a fine variation to make the scoreline 5-3.
