Hockey India has announced a record prize pool of Rs 12 crore for its seventh Annual Awards for which 32 players have been nominated across eight categories. The event is scheduled to be held on Saturday here, to celebrate the finest performances of the 2024 season. One of the key highlights is the coveted Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of the Year, which will honour the best male and female players. Young players have also been given the spotlight, with Jugraj Singh Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Men) and the Asunta Lakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year (Women). In addition, individual excellence across various positions will be recognised through awards such as Baljit Singh Award for Goalkeeper of the Year, Pargat Singh Award for Defender of the Year, Ajit Pal Singh Award for Midfielder of the Year, and Dhanraj Pillay Award for Forward of the Year. This year's awards will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Indian men's team's historic World Cup victory on the