Hardik Singh eyes World Cup glory after third Player of the Year honour
Two-time Olympic medallist Hardik Singh has set his sights on the 2026 Hockey World Cup after winning the Balbir Singh Sr Award for Player of the Year for the third time at the Hockey India Annual Awards in New Delhi.
Hyderabad: Two-time Olympic medallist and Indian Men’s Hockey Team midfielder Hardik Singh has opened up about his pursuit of excellence following his win at the Hockey India 8th Annual Awards 2025. At the ceremony held in New Delhi last week Hardik was honoured with the prestigious Balbir Singh Sr. Award for Player of the Year (Men), marking the third time in his career he has received the nation’s top hockey accolade.
Hardik’s 2025 season was a testament to his status as one of the world’s premier midfielders. A pivotal figure in the team’s tactical setup, he was instrumental in India’s Gold medal-winning campaign at the Hero Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. Beyond continental success, Hardik reached a major personal landmark on 7 June 2025, when he earned his 150th international cap during an FIH Pro League clash against the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Known for his relentless work rate and ability to dictate play from the centre, Hardik was also a standout leader in the domestic circuit, recently captaining the HIL Governing Council squad in the Hero Hockey India League 2026.
Reflecting on his latest Player of the Year honour, Hardik Singh was quick to highlight the collective effort behind his individual success, “I am feeling extremely happy to get this award again, but the credit goes entirely to my team and the coaching staff. Without them, I could never be here. Hockey is a team game; when you play as a unit, your teammates and the staff always help you find the best version of yourself. That is what I try to do in every session, every single day. Getting this award makes you feel recognised for your hard work, your passion, and your dedication to the Indian team.”
With a massive 2026 calendar ahead—headlined by the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup and the Asian Games—Hardik is channelling his energy into the team’s preparation and mental discipline.
“This year is very important for us because we have the World Cup and the Asian Games. I really want to focus on the World Cup; I feel we have a good opportunity to win it, and I am trying to bring my best game to that stage. I don’t want to think too much about the outcome; I will always think about the process. The process is the most important thing. If we complete our preparation and do everything right as a team, we have a much better chance to win and make the country proud,” he added.
As the engine room of the Indian midfield, Hardik Singh’s focus on the “fine margins” and his commitment to the national cause remain the driving forces as India builds towards global glory in the coming months.