Historic Milestone: Hockey India to Celebrate 1975 World Cup Golden Jubilee in Grand Style
Record ₹12 Crore Prize Pool, 32 Nominees, and a Star-Studded Night Await at Hockey India Awards, Ajit Pal Singh Reflects on 1975 Final Against Pakistan: “The Memories Are Still Fresh”
BNH NETWORK
New Delhi - As Hockey India gears up for its 7th Annual Awards, the event is set to be a grand celebration of India's golden hockey history, marking 50 years since the nation's iconic 1975 World Cup triumph.
Hockey India to Honor 1975 World Cup Champions at Annual Awards
On March 15, the Indian hockey fraternity will gather in New Delhi for a momentous occasion, celebrating the legacy of the Indian Men's Hockey Team, which secured its first and only Hockey World Cup title in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in a thrilling final.
Facts File: Hockey India Annual Awards 2024
- Event Date: March 15, 2025
- Venue: New Delhi
- Historic Significance: 50th anniversary of India's 1975 World Cup victory
- Special Honorees: 1975 World Cup-winning Indian hockey team
- Total Prize Pool: INR 12 crore
- Nominees: 32 across eight categories
- Live Streaming: Hockey India’s official YouTube channel
Ajit Pal Singh Reflects on India's 1975 Triumph
Ajit Pal Singh, captain of the victorious 1975 squad, expressed his pride and joy, stating, "I’m very happy that Hockey India is celebrating this milestone in a big way. After the 1964 Olympic gold, the 1975 World Cup was a major achievement for the Indian team. Even after 50 years, the memories remain fresh."
In the tournament, India dominated the group stage with wins against England (2-1), Ghana (7-0), and West Germany (3-1), alongside a draw against Australia (1-1) and a narrow loss to Argentina (2-1). Overcoming challenges, India fought back in the semi-finals against Malaysia (3-2 in extra time) before sealing their victory against Pakistan in the final.
Hockey India Awards: Honoring Excellence in Indian Hockey
This year’s Hockey India Annual Awards will not only pay tribute to the 1975 champions but also recognize outstanding performances in 2024. With a record prize pool of INR 12 crore, 32 nominees across eight categories have been shortlisted for prestigious awards.
Ajit Pal Singh lauded Hockey India's efforts, saying, "Every player aspires to be recognized for their contributions. These awards uplift the morale of players, coaches, and officials, ensuring the sport continues to grow in India."
Reuniting with former teammates will be an emotional moment for the hockey legend. "These reunions are always special. We miss those who are no longer with us, but their legacy remains forever," he added.
