New Delhi : For the second consecutive year, no Indian cricketer has been shortlisted for the National Sports Awards, highlighting a rare absence of the country’s most-followed sport from the prestigious honours list. Instead, Indian hockey vice-captain Hardik Singh stands tall as the sole nominee for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, India’s highest sporting award, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
Hardik Singh’s nomination comes on the back of his consistent performances for the Indian men’s hockey team, including key contributions in Olympic medal-winning campaigns and major international tournaments. His leadership and midfield control have made him one of the most reliable players in the national setup.
“Hardik has been a backbone of India’s recent success in international hockey,” a selection committee member was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
The awards panel, which met in New Delhi, also shortlisted 24 athletes for the Arjuna Award across a wide range of sports such as athletics, chess, badminton, shooting, gymnastics, kabaddi, and yogasan. The diverse list underlines India’s growing strength beyond mainstream sports.
Once again, the absence of cricketers has sparked discussion, especially given India’s strong performances across formats in recent years. However, as Hindustan Times noted, the selection is based on Olympic disciplines, international impact, and sustained excellence, areas where hockey and other sports have stood out prominently this year.
As the final approval awaits government confirmation, the spotlight firmly remains on Hardik Singh, whose nomination reflects hockey’s renewed stature in Indian sport.
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