Lifetime Achievement Award for Balbir Singh

New Delhi, March 28

The legendary Balbir Singh, member of three Olympic gold medal winning teams, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Hockey India Awards here today.

The action-packed ceremony culminated with the 90-year-old receiving the trophy for Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award along with a cheque of Rs 30 lakh. Birendra Lakra and Vandana Kataria were named Player of the Year in their respective categories.

The loudest applause was expectedly reserved for Balbir Singh, who was part of the famous gold winning teams from 1948 to 1956 Olympics. “I felt greatly honoured about being named among 16 iconic Olympians during the London Olympics but this award is sweeter as it is given by my own country. I am deeply honoured,” said Balbir. — PTI

Hockey India Awards

Player of the Year:

Birendra Lakra (male),

Vandana Kataria (female)

Goalkeeper of the Year: PR Sreejesh

Defender of the Year: Deepika

Midfielder of the Year: Manpreet Singh

Forward of the Year: Akashdeep Singh

Upcoming player of the Year: Harmanpreet Singh (male), Namita Toppo (female)

Major Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award: Balbir Singh Sr.