Three exceptional athletes from Lovely Professional University (LPU) were honored at the National Sports Awards 2025 ceremony for their remarkable contributions to Indian hockey. Harmanpreet Singh, the Captain of the Indian Hockey Team, received the highest sporting honour Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, while Sukhjeet Singh and Jarmanpreet Singh were conferred with the Arjuna Award.
These awards were presented by Hon'ble President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi, in recognition of their dedication and excellence in the sports. Harmanpreet Singh has demonstrated outstanding leadership and skill, guiding the Indian Hockey Team to success in major tournaments such as the Paris Olympics, FIH Hockey World Cup, and the Asian Games.
His consistent performance has made him a role model for aspiring athletes. Similarly, Sukhjeet, a dynamic defender-forward, and Jarmanpreet, a formidable defender, have proven integral to the Indian Hockey Team's success.
Their contributions in key international competitions have solidified their positions as stalwarts of the team and among the best in the sport. The National Sports Awards are presented annually by the Ministry of Sports and Youth to honor exceptional achievements in sports.
The awards are decided by a points system that emphasizes performances delivered at the Olympics and World Championships. These esteemed awards include the 'Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award' for the highest level of performance in sports, the 'Arjuna Award' for outstanding achievements in sports, the 'Dronacharya Award' for excellence in coaching, and the 'Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports.'
Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Founder Chancellor of LPU, expressed immense pride in the recognition of the athletes, stating, "These prestigious awards reflect the tireless efforts, hard work, and discipline that our athletes have demonstrated over the years.
LPU is committed to providing world-class sports facilities to nurture Olympians and continue the legacy of producing top Indian athletes who bring pride to the nation." Dr. Mittal also applauded the LPU sports fraternity for securing the MAKA Sports 1st Runner-Up Trophy for the second consecutive year.
LPU’s dedication to promoting sporting talent is reflected in its advanced sports infrastructure and robust support systems, including scholarships offering 100% fee waivers. The university also boasts distinguished athletes such as Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, renowned wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat, talented weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, and members of the Indian Hockey Team, alongside numerous other sporting stars. This commitment ensures that athletes have the resources they need to excel on the global stage.