New Delhi, March 24 (Agency) It was a day of awards and recognition for Hockey India at the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) Congress being held in Mungyeong, Korea. The erstwhile continental federation on Friday awarded Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General Hockey India, with the prestigious Emerging Sport Leader Award. As the President of Hockey Jharkhand, Bhola Nath Singh has been pivotal in raising the profile of the game over the past decade which has seen several international Women’s hockey players coming up the ranks including latest sensation in international hockey Beauty DungDung apart from Salima Tete and Nikki Pradhan who have both played for India at the Olympic Games. As the Secretary General of Hockey India Bhola Nath Singh was also instrumental in ensuring smooth execution of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela. “It feels very special to receive this award and it also comes as a motivation for me to strive hard to further promote hockey in the country with the able support of my colleagues in Hockey India,” expressed an elated Bhola Nath Singh.
Hockey India’s Executive Director Cdr Srivastava VSM was also feted for his contribution towards the sport with the special AHF Recognition Award. He received this award from the FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram and AHF President Fumio Ogura. “I am grateful to Asian Hockey Federation as well as Dato Tayyab Ikram, President of FIH for their constant support and guidance. It is definitely a special recognition for all the hard work over the last decade and would like to thank my colleagues in Hockey India for their support. It has always been a good team work,” stated Cdr Srivastava VSM.Congratulating Bhola Nath Singh and Cdr Srivastava VSM, Hockey India President Padma Shri Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “It is a momentous occasion for Hockey India with both Bhola Nath Singh and Cdr Srivastava who have been awarded for their contribution to Indian hockey. I congratulate both of them and wish them good luck in all their endeavours.”